Riding my bicycle legally on the sidewalk, I approach an intersection controlled by a stop sign. Let's say there are wheelchair ramps at the intersection, and there may or may not be painted pedestrian crosswalk lines. Must I make a full stop before crossing the side street?

My question pertains to California law but I realize that the answer may differ in other jurisdictions. Also, it may make a difference whether or not there are painted crosswalk lines, and whether the road is to my left or to my right.

The strategy, if legal, may be useful to bicyclists who may avoid having to make a full stop by riding on the sidewalk shortly before reaching the intersection.

Another situation is a 3 way intersection with 3 stop signs where I am not crossing a side street. If I am on the street, I know I must stop, but I am quite confident that I am not required to stop if I am on the sidewalk.

As a side issue, it does appear that it is legal for me to ride on the sidewalk in California with the road to my right and continue to ride between the crosswalk lines across an intersecting street. California law treats the crosswalk as an extension of the sidewalk, thus giving me the same rights that I have on the sidewalk.