There are many useful sidewalks in unfriendly cycling areas to be found in the austin area.

I do use them, particularly on bridges, high speed roads w/o shoulders, and when I have my kids behind me or in tow in a tag along or trailer setup.

I also flash 420 lumens up front, run sleigh bells to ring passively, have a loud a$$ active bell, and oftentimes sing or call out to pedestrians in front of me, when we have to share the same facility.

And always do my best to yield to them when doing so.......