Is it bad etiquette to ride road bike through a small residential area? Is it considered bad etiquette to ride a road bike through a small residential area? Not talking about a cheap bike and riding on the sidewalk but a nicer road bike at a decent pace. I don't want to upset anyone by cutting through their neighborhood but it would be a lot easier for my commute.
I wouldn't consider it to be bad etiquette IF:


You're not breaking the posted road speed limit.
Watch not only for cars backing out but for kids.
Watch for dogs.


In small neighborhoods like this it's also not a bad idea to stay out in the lane and not hug the curb. This gives you much more time if a car or child comes hurtling out into the road and you're not going to be slowing down a following car very much.

Edit: include the warning to watch for dogs. This is pretty important.