Bikes = vehicles. Here in MA may be a liitle different than in the land of 10 gallon hats and big ass F-250's. Sidewalks are much too dangerous, too many fences, shrubs etc. for cars to see you coming out of a driveway or store exit. I run my front and rear blinkies and hold my ground. I still use my mirror a lot as well. I have 3 bike paths that I use for the last 6 miles coming into Boston, nice. Maybe some more bike advocacy needs to be done in the OP's area?