The problem is that most people in the States (certainly where I live) believe that bicycles don't belong on the sidewalk OR the road - they simply don't belong. I get crap for riding the road and riding on the sidewalk. However, none of it deters me from riding where I think it's the most safe.

I took a detour through a local playground only to find a "no bicycles" sign posted. It's a playground!!! Gee, I wonder why kids are fat.