[Gigachad]

Side streets are often designed specifically to make thru traffic difficult. They have dead ends, weird routes, etc.

But yeah, when you can find an empty/slow side street it’s hundreds of times better than a bike lane right next to high speed traffic and cars cutting you off.

[mmooss]

Still, many of those things don't limit bikes nearly as much - one way streets, alleys and parks, etc. Even a section of road under construction can be bypassed on the sidewalk.