And now that I've read the posts that explain the situation in New Orleans, I understand a bit more. That area Joey filmed, I don't know if there is a counterpart in the Detroit area -- that is, that narrow, slow and congested. While I don't believe New Orleans has anything on Detroit in terms of murder or urban decay, Detroit does have many wide avenues. I've never biked in Detroit, but I've always thought it wouldn't be too bad from the standpoint of finding enough room on the street -- the main thoroughfares are three and four lanes on each side.

But, what Joey says about keeping up speed and staying away from the curbs to avoid street thugs and crackheads -- I can understand that completely. If I were commuting to downtown Detroit, I think i'd do the same as Joey. There are a lot of street people here.

Another difference between New Orleans and Detroit, though, is Detroit-area drivers are not accustomed to seeing cyclists in traffic, IMO. I haven't commuted at all to Detroit in many years, though, so someone more familiar with the inner city can correct me here.