Bike path or street?

"WTF? Would you look at this guy? Why would he ride on the street when there is a perfectly good bike path over there? What an asshole! You're going to get killed."

Most car drivers are saying or thinking this when they ride by cyclists that are not using the bike path when one is available. And why shouldn't they think this? It's an obvious thought one might have if they don't cycle regularly.

I used to think the same way, but now I realize why one might choose the road over the path.

Everyday, I ride a five mile stretch of the Fairfax County Parkway. A North-South, four-lane highway with two lanes and a wide shoulder on either side of a grass divider. A grass strip separates the shoulder from a wide bike/pedestrian path that runs the length of the Parkway on the east side of the road. On this stretch I have to cross about seven or eight intersections including exit/entrance ramps, light-controlled intersections, and residential side streets.

Many talk about the traffic on paths as a reason not to ride on them. Always having to go around pedestrians, joggers, dog walkers, etc. Sure it gets annoying especially when they are wearing headphones, but still, nothing an Incredibell and a sharp "on your left" won't cure.

I'm talking about street riding for safety and continuity.

That's right. While on the bike path, at every intersection I have to stop and make sure I don't get taken out by a car turning right on red or one that turns right in front of me even when I too have a green light to cross the intersection.

You do not exist to a car driver when you ride on the bike path.

If I were to ride on the shoulder of the road I could not be ignored. When coming to an intersection the driver must consider my actions before making a turn as I am directly in the way. I could claim my rightful turn in traffic and cross during a green light without having to slow or stop.

Now, it takes a lot of nerve to ride in a shoulder alongside cars traveling 50 or 60 miles per hour (speed limit is 50). With so many distractions for drivers, you never know when one may just swerve reaching for a mobile phone or something and just take you out.

For now I am sticking to the bike path. The dangers are more prevalent at every intersection. But, I am in control and can mitigate those dangers by being vigilant and stopping if necessary. The danger of riding on the road is one that I am not in control over. The risk may be very low - just like the likelihood of being in a plane crash versus a car crash - but it is the lack of control that makes us fear the plane more.