I feel like a lot of drivers I've encountered (in NYC) are relatively aggressive towards pedestrians & cyclists.

Cyclists shouldn't be on the sidewalk (unless they're kids <8 years old I believe).

As to bicyclists being ticketed... unfortunately, yes. I've been ticketed and a number of friends have been ticketed. There have been a number of anti-cycling initiatives recently (follow @bikesnobnyc to see the level of it, with some snark)