Originally Posted by
winston63
Most of the local MUPs are pretty decent for getting around, but you really have to be prepared to slow down and pay close attention. I try to assume that children and joggers are going to step out in front of me and I'll generally delay a pass until I can get safely and clearly around. Now it does depend on the time of day - I commute via one and it's fine in the morning. There are a number of other cycling commuters, but I can generally maintain a decent pace pretty safely. Things slow down in the afternoon, and on a sunny Saturday or Sunday it's going to be very slow going!
I use on particular MUP to get to a different part of town where I like to ride. I too find that time of day makes a difference - at 5:30 or 6:00am I pretty much have the MUP to myself. Often times I take the MUP out, and the roads back so I avoid the mid-morning crowds. When riding the MUP when it is populated you just have to slow down, wait for the safe opportunity to pass, etc. I have to say that I enjoy one aspect of the crowded MUP - seeing lots of different people, of different ages and abilities, outside and exercising in one form or another. Ive seen some pretty interesting things on the MUP - different types of bikes, etc.