+ 1 to all those who say the cyclist is an inconsiderate jackass. (that's being polite).
This isn't about riding on sidewalks or not, it's about acting reasonably, which the cyclist clearly isn't. Any justifications to excuse him, or somehow blame parents for letting their child walk or run out of their gate onto a sidewalk are totally misplaced, and could only be the products of a cyclist group think attitude.
I'm not interested why the cyclist was on the sidewalk, nor why anybody else thinks it's OK or not, because IMO it isn't about that. It's about acting reasonably based on where you're riding, and accepting responsibility if things go badly.
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WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.