Sidewalk riding is NOT inherently dangerous, despite this having been repeated far too many times. People quote statistics saying it is far more dangerous than riding on the street. Those statistics don't take into consideration that a very high percentage of sidewalk riders are not experienced or safety motivated. Sidewalk riding is as safe or as dangerous as the nature of the particular stretch of sidewalk and the particular rider make it. When I ride on the sidewalk it is generally where there are few driveways and few pedestrians. I yield to the occasional pedestrian well in advance. When I cross the occasional driveway I check over my shoulder for any cars that could be slowing enough to turn in, as well as, of course, checking for anyone pulling out. I cover the brake and cross the driveway assuming that I am not seen. Safe sidewalk riding is usually not compatible with hauling ass, but can be a safe haven from a street packed with rush hour drivers with bad attitudes.

Don in Austin