Originally Posted by
TomCat_Ford
Are there reasons, save for the lack of bike lanes and the posted speed limits, for being forced on to the sidewalks or side streets? I regularly ride on shoulderless roads with 55MPH speed limits without any issues (not counting the occasional close pass because that can happen anywhere). I just run adequate lighting and keep an eye on my mirror when I hear approaching vehicles.
Now if it's heavy traffic that's the problem, I'd probably go with the side streets before I took to the sidewalks. I have no problem taking the lane, but I wouldn't want to cause backups during rush hour.
Yes. I live in Phoenix, AZ, and I head to work in heavy traffic. There is also a canal that separates my origin from my destination, and the side streets get cut off by that. When I have time, I will take the path that is on the side of the canal. I followed my gut today and rode on the sidewalk. I encountered a few pedestrians along the way, and crossing streets was not a problem. Taking my cruiser on a major road would have gotten me knocked onto the sidewalk.