Originally Posted by
yooperbiker
Realize that sidewalks hold dangers for bikes and might not be the safer option. When on sidewalk you become basically invisible to car drivers who are looking for vehicles on the road. Come to an intersection expect that cars will be turning in front of you. Same at driveways. Kids, dogs, leashes, joggers, trash cans, other stuff on sidewalks. If riding on sidewalk should limit speed to like 10 MPH or less (depends so much on where you are). On the road you have other issues, but can move along as fast as you can peddle most times.
Some good tips on commuting on bike in this link (suggested reading):
Bicycle Commuting
This is soooo very true.
Years ago I actually backed into a guy on his bike while I was coming out of my driveway, he was basically blind to me on the sidewalk and was going so fast that he didn't see me either; fortunately it was just a slight tap and he was fine. Years ago I also had a minor run in with a car when I was coming off the bike path that runs along the highway, they didn't see me when I was coming off the path as it ended but if I had been on the street they would have just gone around me.
I also ride a scooter and a motorcycle so my radar is always on full alert when I'm riding, especially since I ride in an urban area most of the time.