Don't feel bad about going on the sidewalk in some places. Sometimes it actually is the safest. There is one section where I take the sidewalk for about 400'. It is going up a hill facing west. At the time of day that I ride it, the sun sits right at the top of the hill. You can't see anything when you drive up it. No way I am taking the road there if there is traffic and the sun is in the right/wrong spot. At the top of the hill is my destination anyways, so I might as well.