Just ride on the sidewalk. I tell everyone this, all the time. If someone gets mad, you get pulled over, whatever else that happens. Still beats getting hit, trust me.
You just have to be extra super duper cautious on the sidewalk, because statistically you are like two to three times more at risk for other incidents. And it goes without saying, don't be an ass and cede the right of way to pedestrians. That said, ride away! I'd rather you be safe too.
The last stretch of Sarnia road between Sleightholme and Western doesn't have a bike path. As a biker who bikes to Western very often, this is so frustrating (and scary) since I have to merge with the main traffic or if the traffic is too busy, I just ride on the sidewalk. I hope they make a bike path on that part of Sarnia road. But the article says the construction will start next year and will take at least 3 years... So I am not very optimistic.
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