I was on a business trip to Seattle this week and the Sammamish River and Burke-Gilman trail are great. Coming from Chicago, the long trails we have tend to be a mix of ashphalt and crushed lime-stone. Also, they tend to force you to stop at lights, etc. These trails are great. I wish I had my road-bike (and more time) instead of the tank with huge tires I rented from the hotel.

If you think the trails are great, riding on the roads is better in my opinion. Drivers are much more observant here (in general). I moved here from Atlanta (Roswell) and I was scared to ride the roads because they were so narrow and the drivers didn't know what to do with bike riders.

I was just in Chicago, not riding, but yes, I can see how Seattle might be better for bicycle riding than Chicago.

But, what I don't get, is the number of people in Chicago riding w/o helmets. They're crazy!

I was just in Chicago, not riding, but yes, I can see how Seattle might be better for bicycle riding than Chicago.

But, what I don't get, is the number of people in Chicago riding w/o helmets. They're crazy!

I paid attention to helmetless riders on my ride today. Yep, there are a whole bunch. Not sure why but i did notice the more experienced riders had helmets.