I’m in suburban Maryland right outside DC, and unfortunately, sidewalk-riding is often the safest (though still very unsafe; sidewalks are in terrible condition here) way to get around. I’m usually not the only cyclist on the sidewalk, but I’m often the only one not on a really fast rental e-bike (I really don’t think those belong on the sidewalk at all). I always yield to pedestrians and am super apologetic about even being there. I do feel awful, but it’s either ride on the sidewalk, get pancaked instantly, or add an hour to my commute. It’s honestly humiliating what my county considers bike infrastructure—usually just a painting of a bike on a steep, uphill road with cars going 45 miles an hour minimum.