Sounds more like your issue is with the drivers. The law states (at least in Europe) that cyclists should be on the road when there's no bicycle lane. And that's what they do everywhere I've been so far and it's fine. Drivers complain sometimes that they have to slow down for a few seconds before they can pass, but whatever, screw them.

If cyclists are allowed on the sidewalks, where are pedestrians supposed to go? Especially since often they're barely wide enough for 2-3 people. Hugging the wall every minute to let a bicycle pass isn't fun.