Originally Posted by tarwheel

Generally speaking, it is a lot LESS safer to ride on sidewalks. That is why it is illegal in many areas. Sidewalks are for pedestrians, and riding a bike there makes it much more likely that you will hit someone. You also have to stop at almost every intersection, and many parking lots and other entrances. Drivers pulling out of side streets, driveways and parking lots are usually looking for traffic coming down the road, not the sidewalks -- so they are much more likely to hit you or block your path.

However, there are occasions where riding on a sidewalk is advisable or permissible -- such as roads undergoing construction.