I rode a bike in Paris for 3 years, and it's as hostile as it can get for bikes. Never had a problem,never rode on a sidewalk. Why? I know how to behave with cars. I stop at red lights. I ride in the middle of the road to prevent them from overtaking me dangerously. I'm speedy and I can keep the pace with a late taxi driver if needed.
This kind of reasoning confirms that indeed, bikers are not reasonable and bikes should be forbidden on sidewalks.
Nowhere I said that bike should ride on the sidewalk or have priority over walkers ...
My wife, while pregnant, got hit by a cyclist while crossing in Paris. She was well aware of what she was doing, had a very expensive bike and surely was riding everyday to work. But heh, can't slow down to let the peasants cross the road, right?