formicaman, I saw that story too and it really was sad. It has me rethinking my route now too. I currently ride Spring Garden down to the Art Museum and across the Schuykill river. It's really a bit crazy at some spots during rush hour. I did get clipped by a car a couple weeks ago around the Art Museum when a women got impatient in traffic and tried making a quick right. Luckily she just clipped my bag on the rack and I was able to stay upright. For you I would think the bad neighborhood option would be fine until summer when the weather is warm and everyone is outside lingering. Just keep moving at a good speed.