Alright, now I think I see where I'm being misunderstood - probably a regional difference in terminology. In Great Lakes states, Michigan in particular, those asphalt paths that are sorta parallel to the road shoulder, used like sidewalks, are called Safety Paths. I wasn't referring to those, I don't use those myself because, well,, Safety Paths aren't safe for fast moving cyclists. They're offset from the shoulder just far enough that cyclists are not in the line of attention of motorists emerging from cross streets. Also, the bushes and evergreens along the "Safety" Path prevent cyclists from seeing drivers coming out on a driveway and vice versa. Neither of my prior posts were intended to embrace these dogwalking, baby stroller pushing, "Safety" Paths for cycle commuting or touring. What I was referring to are most commonly Rail Trails. I was referring to long distance routes that can take us through many communities. A few examples being Great Allegheny Passage, C&O Canal, or Pierre Marquette Trail. The Detroit Metro area isn't a premier cycling area but is on a good start. A cyclist can make a hundred mile circumnavigation of the outer metro area by connecting rail trails, park paths, and a non-motorized pathway that is on an easement offset from I-275 and separated from the expressway by space, embankments, and concrete barriers. Cyclists can get off of the rail trail or expressway easement at least every mile to branch off to whatever destination they're heading for. More of these is what cyclists need. "Safety" Paths are for the benefit of pedestrians.
