It definetely wasn't an official bike path. I just moved to the city and am still learning my way around. As far as my safety consciousness goes...I say "passing on your left" and "thank you" to pedestrians. I slow down considerably in high ped traffic areas, and I've only flipped off two drivers in the month and a half I've been in DC. I also never wear headphones, and I keep my head on a swivel.