Originally Posted by bike2math
I can only speak from my own experience here: I love my MUP. It is the most pleasant part of my commute. It is far and away what keeps me on the bike as transportation. I lengthen my commute by almost 2 miles each direction just to use this path. It cuts almost two dozen traffic lights out of my commute. It has caused problems but in my analysis far less than the hassels caused by endless stops and starts and countless intersections with impatient drivers.
In short: I use it for the same reason motorists will choose to go a few miles out of their way to get on a freeway for a couple of exits on the way to work. It saves time, hassels, energy, brake pads, and nerves. In my view they should be planned for and funded as freeways for the people who choose to bike. As for where that money should come from: The city takes a fair piece of my pie why not use some of that. As if it would cost anywhere near what the constant expansion projects I see on the freeways around the city cost me.
I agree, but sometimes I ride on the path for the opposite reason. I want to slow down, de-stress, and enjoy the scenery. Just like some motorists will get off the crowded freeway and take the scenic route, even if it takes a few minutes longer.