PeanutDance, do what is safest for you. If you've noticed that your current actions are reducing the potential for Car-Bicycle encounters, then keep at it.

Its one of the unfortunate problems with Denver's bicycle infrastructure.

Many street crossings for bicycle routes involve crosswalks or sidewalks. Where possible, I will avoid these crossings and cross at a safe road, however, in a few particular intersections, this isn't really possible.

This happens to be one. (Turn the street view camera around facing east)

If I'm on the bicycle route on 7th Ave heading East and wish to continue, I must get on the sidewalk, and cross at the crosswalk. I *could* continue down Colorado like the rest of Eastbound traffic and turn left at 6th Ave, this poses more safety issues in my opinion then simply waiting at the crosswalk.

And yes, I could completely avoid 7th Ave, but I love the ride down that street.