Even the "improved" sidewalks are barely useful there. Based on my experience (in a very different neighborhood where walking is the default way to get around)

Even the "improved" sidewalks are barely useful there. Based on my experience (in a very different neighborhood where walking is the default way to get around) I'd be shocked if someone in a wheelchair chose the sidewalk over the street. Even by me (6 ft+ sidewalks, separated from the street, without driveways, with drivers used to looking for pedestrians at crossings, and much busier roads) you almost always see wheelchairs in the street. Uneven at every driveway and too narrow to get around any obstacles (such as a trash can) make sidewalks like that a horrible experience when you're on wheels. Add in the narrow, quiet streets with slow traffic and the street is very appealing. Technical ADA compliance doesn't make a good/useful experience.