I don't know where you get your info, but the sidewalks are never really more safe. Maybe in short stretches to avoid certain obstacles, but otherwise the street is a much safer alternative - you are much more visible to all traffic (traveling and merging). The only encounters I have ever had with a car, was during college - and I was on the sidewalk. The pulled up quickly, and I actually hit them - they said they didn't see me. The campus police saw it and checked me out to make sure I was ok. He told me it was a common occurrence, and told me the road was much more safe because of visibility issues. I took his word for it and have stayed away from sidewalks since.

Just because many motorist are ignorant of the law, and may not like you traveling in "their" road, it does not mean you are more safe staying away from them.