There are no such things as bike paths, or even bike lanes, around here. And I don't think I'd use them if they existed, unless they were better (smoother, straighter, shorter, etc) than the roads. I've got no problem using roads, but I'll use whatever path is best. If they ever put in paths and want me to use them, they'll have to have some advantage over the roads.

I'm riding to get from A to B. Best path from A to B in the shortest time is my goal. Only things that improve my time or significantly improve my comfort will get me to move from one route to another. If the road is all busted up and the path is smooth, I might go a little out of my way. If the road is covered with debris and I get flats when I ride on it, it may be WELL worth my time to go even several miles out of my way, if the path is clear and I never get flats on it. Of course, then you get *****h0les that spread thumbtacks on bike paths for "fun" and that advantage is gone.