I infrequently join a Wed evening ride that goes along one of our larger MUPs. The ride is a collection of safe, mature riders, new riders, racer wanna be's, and unknown friends/spouses. Anywhere between six and twenty riders might attend.

I've found these to be the most dangerous and chaotic rides, even when ridden safely from the rear. I usually sweep and encourage the newer riders, but sometimes go off the front with the younger, more aggressive riders. They form up sketchy pacelines and do a lot of weaving... It'd make you cringe to see.

Anyway, that's why I infrequently join up. Only when I'm going through the town where it starts, and I split off at midpoint to take the roads homeward.

The lesson in this...pedestrian beware. Cyclist be wary. For most of us, it's better to rarely ride on the MUP just to avoid the risks.