deserted sidewalks are fair game, imo. I'm not out to teach motorists a lesson on what roads they should be using and what speeds they should be driving at. If the parallel street sucks, too, use the 'walk. people get their panties in a bunch because they think you might run over a ped. when in reality the peds are few and far between in some cities, esp. in the west.
ps you REALLY don't want to ride the sidewalk going against traffic though. trust me, I have scars that prove it.
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"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me