[gamegoblin]

I cycle around Seattle quite a bit and my preference is always to ride on the sidewalk. As far as I know, this is legal as long as I yield to pedestrians.

I can ride nearly the same speed as on the road, and stop or slow down at my leisure. It's much more enjoyable. I never find pedestrians to be an issue.

It's always far faster than walking and less stressful than riding in the street.

[peterfirefly]

Maybe they find you to be an issue?

If you really do yield to pedestrians than I suppose they don't but most bicyclists are -- like smokers -- not nearly as considerate as they think they are.

[gamegoblin]

My basic strategy is to wait until at least half of the sidewalk is open before passing any pedestrians. I have no problem coasting at pedestrian speed until I have a passing opportunity. It still beats walking.

[kelnos]

You are one of the few considerate ones. I see cyclists on the sidewalk often, and most will force pedestrians out of the way to pass.