Hey Rockhound, good to see you here. I've only been here a very short time myself. Also wanted to compliment you on your post. I just read through this thread tonight and also had some concerns about some of the comments about the police.
The only thing I might add at this time is that some places allow bikes on the sidewalk. When I first thought about getting a bike where I live now, I made some posts in another forum and everyone was posting things back like, "There is a reason they call it a sideWALK". Well, when I found the state's rules, turns out that many places you can ride on the sidewalk.
That may not apply to where posters here are from - and I would expect local bike riders to know - but it is okay some places.
Bob (84 flatless miles and counting)