Originally Posted by pdlamb

"Unsafe" is an emotionally laden term that's hard to discuss, because emotions are subject neither to measurement nor discussion. If you change that to "risk" you can have a rational discussion.

Most calculations of relative risk indicate the risks of not exercising (as in bicycling) are about six times higher than the risk of death while cycling. I think it was the British Medical Journal (but I could be mistaken) than came out with a factor of 20:1. That is, the benefits of bicycling are 20 times higher than the risks.

Emotionally, that's more than safe enough. Cycling is also fun!