Classic,
If I was not in uniform, then the answer your looking for is No I would not ride on the pavement. If I am out with my 7&9 year old boys, they ride on the pavement I ride alongside them, where I feel it is safer tan being on the road. If I am commuting to work, I ride on the road. Why would I ride on the pavement when I a will be faster on the road (I don't use the cycle path next to the Road either). If I am in uniform and I can justify the use of the pavement then I WILL ride on the pavement, the cycle path, a foot path, dual use path, down a set of stairs (whilst making risk assessments as I go). If I could ride on water I'd do that too. As I said, using a foot path to get from a-b can be faster. I will do this if I can "JUSTIFY" it. If I'm riding to the local donut shop for my break then I obviously could not JUSTIFY using the footpath, if however I am riding to the Donut shop because someone is holding knife to the owners throat, because I'd just bought the last of his favourite donuts, then I could JUSTIFY using the pavement.
As has been pointed out in my previous post, although it is an offence to cycle on a footpath, guidelines have been given to where and when they should be adhered too.
Therefore, if I can JUSTIFY being on the pavement whilst riding my bicycle I am NOT abusing my uniform!
BTW officers from my own force have been fined for riding on the pavement where they could not justify being on the pavement!