<p>Sylvan, in order to determine whether cycling on streets is more dangerous than cycling on the sidewalk, we can look at evidence and studies. They confirm that cycling on the sidewalk is more dangerous. This seems counterintuitive, because as you say, on the sidewalk, the cyclist is only at risk at driveways and intersections.</p>
<p>However, the vast majority of bike/car collisions occur at driveways and intersections, either when inattentive drivers don’t notice cyclists or when foolish cyclists ignore traffic control. So, cyclists on the road where they should be are also at low risk when they aren’t at driveways or intersections.</p>
<p>Cyclists on the sidewalk are invisible to drivers. Moreover, even if the cyclist is legally riding on the sidewalk, the motorist has the right of way at every single driveway or intersection. Sidewalk cycling is just not a safe thing to do unless the rider is going at walking pace. But it’s difficult to ride that slowly.</p>