In Seattle, there are plenty of sidewalks where people don't ever walk (industrial areas) some of these are better than the roads.

Also, sometimes to be safe you have to take the sidewalk for a block or two.
if you're sensible, it can be pretty safe.
don't go much faster than pedestrians
follow pedestrian traffic rules when crossing at a crosswalk
ring your bell or inform people as you come up behind them
be aware that if you're on the sidewalk, cars CAN NOT see you, so be prepared to stop at every single street and driveway intersection.