safety

[clarkbar]

Just starting to ride. Any tips on riding alone on a bike path from a safety standpoint. I'd like to get to point where I can bike in to work on path, but certain sections not so safe.

[clarkbar]

Neighborhood

[soprano]

I used to live in Dayton and yep, I can think of several places where the bike paths go through not-so-wonderful neighborhoods. You might check the map for possible alternate routes; going a mile out of the way will only add about 5 minutes to your ride and would take you into a much safer neighborhood. (For example, cutting through Kettering and Oakwood on neighborhood streets instead of going up the river after dark.) If you don't feel safe in a specific area, then you probably need to find another route. Also, an area that feels unsafe a night might be perfectly OK during the day. At what time of day do you need to make your commute?

As a cyclist on the bike path, you will have an advantage in that you are moving quickly and quietly without many stops. My experience as a bike commuter is that crazy people and panhandlers both are far less likely to approach me than they are when I am on foot. I suspect that they assume that I don't have any money. When I had to drive through unsafe areas, I worried much more about being carjacked than I do now about having my bike stolen out from under me (riding a bike with dropped bars and clipless pedals helps with that - many people simply aren't going to be able to ride away on my bike). My biggest worry usually is drunk/high/bored teenagers and drunk drivers; I tend to stay off the road on weekend nights.

Something I really miss about Ohio is that everyone I met on the trail in the morning always said "Good morning" or "Hello." It was such a nice, cheerful environment.

[AZchick]

I agree with soprano... you do have an advantage of speed in an area like that. Many of the same rules apply as if you were running/walking. Be aware of your surroundings- glance side to side, keeping an eye out. When I am running and I am not sure of someone approaching I make sure I look strong and determined, and do not give eye contact as I speed up!

[clarkbar]

Soprano you nailed the location, along the river north of miamisburg. Everyones comments really helpful, it will be early am. So maybe by the time I'm ready to do this I can just stay on the road, there is a path in most of it. Can't wait to pick up my bike. Fuji Absolute 3.0.

Turn 50 this year and all about living out loud

[Catrin]

...Turn 50 this year and all about living out loud

I learned how to ride as a post-50th birthday present (a little over a year ago). As I have become more active and more fit I find myself feeling younger and younger - this is a great present you have given yourself!

Welcome!

[Tri Girl]

when I commuted to my old job, there was about 5 miles of pretty scary sketchy neighborhoods. I was always riding through them at about 6 am. I figured out pretty quickly that the boogey man (people who might want to cause harm) are not out that early- they are out late at night. I would have NEVER ridden through that area in the evening hours, but in the wee hours of the morning, I never had ONE incident. I even took a wrong turn and wound up riding under a railroad underpass on the sidewalk past a half dozen sleeping homeless people. They were out cold that early and I had no worries- even tho it freaked me out a little at the time.

Be brightly lit, speed up, keep all senses aware and on alert.
You'll be OK. But, yeah, if you can ride a mile or so out of the way to some safer areas, then that might be a better option for you, and will keep you from being too nervous/anxious!

Live out loud!!!!

[oz rider]

+1 to a safer route and the road, depending on the neighbourhood, path lighting etc. I often I prefer the road to a dark quiet path at night - better lighting, more people around and I can't imagine anyone planning a hijack. But I agree it's often safer early the morning anyway, provided you have good lights and maybe some reflective.