walkers in the street?

I don't get it. I'm sitting here in my office at The Reporter, glancing out the huge window (that doesn't open ... don't get me started) and I see two women power walking down the street.
Yes, the street.
Yes, there are sidewalks throughout the fine town of Lansdale, but these women were strutting right down the street, where cars are parked on both sides and it's tough enough to get through in a motorized vehicle.
So what's wrong with the sidewalks?
But then again, why walk on a safe sidewalk when you can risk life and limb by walking in the street?
I wish someone could explain this...