Safety literature, from LAB, discourages sidewalk bicycling. All the evidence I have read suggests it is more dangerous. Most of our bicycle safety training ended at the age of 7 when an adult let go of our bike saddle. Check out Smart cycling
https://www.bikeleague.org/ridesmart
in terms of some of the comments already made above, I do not disagree that there are locations where leaving the street is a good idea for a short distance. It also is the same street where you should become an advocate and demand your community follow Complete Streets.