Road vs Park riding

[kajero]

I am very aware of the sun-glare problem with our early evening sunsets and a bit more cautious about being seen.

I don't go riding too much if it is close to sunset because I don't like to ride in the dark. Thanks for making me aware of the sun-glare issues. I guess I never thought about it.

[Eden]

I use my bicycle not only for recreation and exercise, but also for transportation, so being chased off of the roads would mean being chased into a car for me, which I consider to be unacceptable....

[Catrin]

Well, I am not talking about riding on a MUT, but on the roads in a very large park. Given my physical riding restrictions from my neck/shoulder issues it makes it hard to get out in traffic anyway for longer rides. I ride for recreation and exercise these days, not for transportation or errands so that does simplify things. I am not saying that I will never ride outside of the park again, just for now I do not feel safe doing so. I know me, and I WILL get tried of that beautiful park "treadmill", so we will see how long this lasts. As I type this I realize that part of this might also be fear of yet another bike-related neck injury...I am not saying it is a rational fear, but I think that is part of this.

[Crankin]

I only mentioned the MUT places, because there really aren't any places like you describe around here. I *have* ridden in state parks on group rides. One is in NE MA, and the roads were horrible. Frost heaves, pot holes, etc. The other was in Plymouth, where the roads were marginally better. I suppose I might ride in the second one if I lived near there, as there were no cars. Good hills, though. But, both are known more for the mountain bike trails.
I live in "country" suburbia and I only have to ride about 8 miles to get into rural areas. I think I am spoiled. In fact, I know I am, because whenever I travel and ride other places, I am not that impressed.

[Thorn]

I use my bicycle not only for recreation and exercise, but also for transportation, so being chased off of the roads would mean being chased into a car for me, which I consider to be unacceptable....

+1

Our local bike fed likes to quote that mile for mile travelled, the bike is safer than the car. My bike is my transport. I'm on the road for the long haul.

[buffybike]

I understand the concerns of the OP. Having two young kids and already having been hit by a car once, I can certainly empathize with having to decide whether or not road-riding is worth the risk. But, for me, the pros (health, happiness, quality of life) outweigh the cons (risk of injury or worse). Nowadays, when I buy a jersey, it's in a "neon" color and I try to stick to roads with little traffic and lots of other cyclists. Just like driving, though...you do your best to be careful/visible/vigilant, but there's always a risk as you have no control over other drivers. The next-best thing we can do is to attend local planning meetings and advocate for safer cycling. I used to live in a city with a really organized bike advocacy group--they attended all the local planning meetings, lobbied local and state officials and had a huge impact on getting more bike lanes, an awesome mountain bike park and other bike-safety features incorporated into our city. Use your voting power to demand safer conditions for cyclists--it works!