When I lived in Toronto (several million people), I commuted solo from suburbs into downtown via ravine park system or another route that was bike path, park, blended with less ravine park, etc. I would start these work commute rides at approx. 6:30 am.

I did it for nearly 10 years, nearly everyday except for winter when I stopped cycling. I lived in a rougher area of town...known for drugs, whatever. On bike, it's being safe with cars around in traffic. You are after all, not a jogger who would be far more vulnerable (and slower).

My thoughts:
*if you ride in isolated areas...vary routes.
*become a strong rider on hills and in speed. For work-commuting, it's never leisurely for me anyway. Especially going to work.
*I don't mountainbike in this areas. Wherever possible, smooth roads /paths to give me speed.

*Did I see/experience stuff? Well, over the years:
-yea, once police were around to pull out something from bushes...
-a burnt-out car/bus on a quiet road. ARson...yep. But this did not freak me out.....I worked for the fire marshal's office...to know that arson....doesn't mean someone is out to hurt a person, just the property.


If I have a choice of safety in quiet areas....most certainly I feel safer as a cyclist speeding along vs. being a pedestrian/jogger.

From the car-less shootingstar....where living in a nicer area still ...there are drug grow-ops even in nice buildings. Crime can be in unexpected places.