I don't understand why so many cyclists are opposed to riding on the sidewalk.

I have been a photojournalist for about 20 years. I respond to accident scenes almost daily.

I have NEVER once responded to a scene of a cyclist hitting a pedestrian on a sidewalk where medical assistance is needed.

I have responded to hundreds of scenes where a motor vehicle hit a cyclist who was in the road. Many of them were fatalities.

I have NEVER responded to a scene where a car hit a cyclist who was riding on a sidewalk.

My conclusion....riding a bicycle on a sidewalk is far safer than riding in the street.

I will gladly take the low cost of a ticket vs the high cost of 15 days in the ICU and 5 surgeries and months of rehab.

Plus, a ticket is also better than death.