Sometimes, on my morning commute, I will detour off the regular route to stop at a deli for breakfast. To get there, I ride behind a shopping center for a little bit, then I come out at a driveway that's about 200 feet from the deli, on the same side of the road. So, I have the choice of crossing a very busy four-lane turnpike and riding on the road, with traffic, for that short distance - then crossing back over to the deli - OR riding on the sidewalk, against traffic, the 200 feet to the deli.

The first time only, I crossed the street and did it right. Since then. I always choose to take the sidewalk. It feels silly and dorky, and I hate setting a bad example for young kids and inexperienced cyclists, but the alternative complicates matters way too much just to get a bagel and a container of orange juice.

Overall, though, I will almost NEVER ride on a sidewalk, unless a situation like the one I just described arises, which is extremely rare.