Getting on the sidewalk often has its own hazards,
You know what has hazards? Riding in the road unprotected from 2 ton heavy machinery. You couldn't pay me to ride in the street when there are sidewalks available.
It's pure selfishness to demand others be responsible for your safety.
Wrong. Going by weight, speed, visibility, protection and turning radius cyclists are much closer to pedestrians than 2 ton vehicles going 35 mph. That's basic physics.
And it's not illegal to ride on the sidewalks where I live. Not that legality has any bearing on what is logical. Laws are made up for those who whine the most or have the most money, not what is logical.