There won't be a consensus. It ultimately comes down to you deciding which is safer for the conditions and you don't become a hazard yourself while using the sidewalk or by taking the lane. In some cities I commute through, the bike lanes are routed to the sidewalks for safety reasons at certain intersections, but some insist on exercising their road rights. It's a choice one makes. The key stat is to get to work/school/shopping and back home in one piece.