Quote Originally Posted by Eden
As far as trail riding goes - In my experience I find that because of the crowding that one finds on trails with so many people with differing uses and differing abilities you have to be very very alert when you ride on trails. Kids, dogs, joggers, strollers, people who are going too fast on bicycles or riding erratically, street crossings - all of these things mean you have to be extra careful . An accident you might have on the road with a car may be more devestating and dangerous - but the trail poses more of a constant hazard.
I totally agree. As a new rider I started out on the bike path, but after one short month on the bike, summertime hit and so did the crowds at the beach. I quickly realized that I was safer on the roads and took my riding there. Right now the only time that I attempt to ride the beach bike path is in the early morning, usually starting before it's light out. The only people out are other people exercising or the surfers. Not wanting to ride alone in the dark this morning, I waited until later than normal to leave the house and just that one hour made a huge difference in the crowds on the path and the number of hazards that I encountered.