[alistairSH]

But there's a sidewalk there. Without any thought, we should be able to assume a sidewalk is fit for purpose.

The fact that we have a sidewalk that's "obviously" not fit to purpose is a massive failure on the part of the local transit authority/DOT.

[roncesvalles]

But you see, if the 7 year old runs or falls into the 25mph residential street (as kids are wont to do), a car driving towards him could stop on time. On a busy 45mph stroad, there's no chance.