""I believe... cyclists should be seen as pedestrians...do the same, but of course they don't.""

Where I live bicycles are required to, generally, to follow the rules of the road for motor vehicles-and are not considered pedestrians. So, yes cyclists do drive on the same side of the road as motor vehicles, and nit on sidewalks.

I believe most recommended safety practices for pedestrians walking on streets (where no sidewalks exists), is to walk facing traffic. I see no firm rules for pedestrians on sidewalks, beyond courtesy and common sense.