i've never had a problem on MLK and i've been riding it for 2 years, since i moved here. i think the 'bad side of town' is often based on perception and not reality. MLK is a great wide street with a nice bike lane. i would take it over the path any day. maybe i'm just more of an urban rider, i like riding through and have ridden through most of the neighborhoods in chicago. unless you act like a target, people will just let you be, no matter where you're riding. i really don't like it when people start labelling areas without first experiencing them.