Quote Originally Posted by MartianDestiny View Post
Crashes aren't inevitable, but riding such that they are avoidable is frequently boring and annoying and requires full focus and awareness. IMO that's just something one has to deal with, even if that means the only safe way to get through an area of the path is to ride 2mph or get off and walk.
I usually regard having to bike with full focus and awareness as an advantage -- it probably keeps reflexes and skills sharp. Of course, I ride mostly for recreation and am rarely in a hurry -- if I were commuting, it would be different. I do dismount when warranted (and believe me, I'm usually the only walking cyclist).

It's odd that my original question was interpreted as a complaint. In my mind, it was a question about equipment, not very different from inquiring about saddles or brake pads.