I know the "rule" about riding on the street and adhere to it as much as practicable. However, isn't this situational more than hard and fast? For instance, if you're taking it easy and the sidewalk is wide (more akin to a bike path) with relatively few driveways, then wouldn't "sidewalk" riding make more sense? Possibly. On the other hand if the sidewalk is narrow with lots of driveways and high hedges, etc. wouldn't the street make more sense? Most likely. I am of the opinion that being able to read the situation is the most important - more important than the "rule."

Anecdotally - it seems to me that more people get injured riding on sidewalks than do road riders. However, it also seems that more road riders get killed than sidewalk riders; i.e. sidewalk = more total injuries, road = fewer injuries, but more fatalities. I have nothing to back that up and am willing to be completely wrong, I'm just looking for others OPINIONS as to whether thats true.