Is this really true? Does anyone have any studies/articles/etc. that show this too be true in the states? I know it is not true in the states I have lived in and a quick peak at the laws of 5 states found that in none of them that I checked (California, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Virginia) is there a state-wide ban. Also, I've come across very few municipalities that ban it. I am sure that many major cities do, but I do not think it is safe or accurate to say that in most places it is illegal to ride on the sidewalk.

Mind you, I am not saying it is wise, safe, or in any other was a good idea (in most cases), but I think the idea that it is illegal in most places in the USA is an urban myth.

Regardless, the OP checked and found that it was not illegal were he asked about so in this particular case it is a red herring.