Originally Posted by
Drew Eckhardt
Road.
It's both faster and safer assuming the "bike path" crosses roads and/or is a multi-use path.
Where bike paths cross-the road, car drivers are less attentive to vehicle speed traffic there than on the road, especially where it's running in the wrong direction. I've only been hit by a car as an adult when riding on a "bike path".
Multi-use paths also have un-predictable non-cyclists like unleashed dogs and children. I've only come close to running into people when on a multi-use path where those things jumped in front of me. Cars are generally predictable except when parking and you can avoid those.
It would depend. If the MUP crosses roads at grade, there can be issues. If the MUP goes under roads and has no traffic control devices...stop signs, yield, etc...it becomes a bicycle freeway and could be faster than the road.
Time of day can be a factor too. MUPs are generally empty early in the morning before work and, depending on the time of year, can be after work. Roads carry about the same traffic mornings and evenings, no matter what time of year you ride them.