Studies have shown that riding on the sidewalk is considerably less safe than riding on the street (due to link rot, I can't find the studies I'd read, but goog

Studies have shown that riding on the sidewalk is considerably less safe than riding on the street (due to link rot, I can't find the studies I'd read, but google brings up plenty). Cars do not expect bicycles to be crossing intersections from the sidewalk, so your risk of being hit by a car goes up considerably unless you come to a complete stop at each intersection you cross. I've never met a bicyclist that does this as it will break your momentum considerably. Whats more, pedestrians and dogs often walk into the way of sidewalk operating bicyclist. Please don't do this.