Here in the suburbs most sidewalks have very little pedestrian traffic. I use sidewalks to bypass road sections which are too dangerous to ride and I use sidewalks to connect with roads along my routes which I ride..TBH I hate riding on the sidewalks but sometimes it's necessary because of lack of cycling infrastructure. I prefer the road most of the time...After 13 years of commuting and recreational riding I do notice that our roads are more dangerous now than many years ago because of distracted, aggressive, impatient drivers.