many shun this in the cycling community but I will roll on a sidewalk at any point where I don't feel safe. Grab some clippers and go over to that sidewalk on the weekend and trim the bush. I have trimmed many trees on my route that over grow and push me into a traffic area. I have drive those streets and know that people will just be evil or wont even notice, if you do use that route take the lane and deal with the mean words and honks.

Do understand to go slow on the walk and give peds the right of way even if it means stopping.

and really once you have done a few commutes and the weather gets smooth, you WILL take the long way on purpose.