[aerostable_slug]

I would invert your statement and posit you were riding in very dangerous areas. Most of the US is very safe compared to St. Louis, Chicago, Oakland, Richmond (CA), Detroit, Atlanta, etc.

Don't go to stupid places filled with stupid people doing stupid things and you'll likely be okay — and this includes bars after midnight just about anywhere. Nothing good happens after midnight, but I digress.

I agree with you that it was a good thing you were on a bike and I'm glad you're here to post about it!

[wenc]

I live in a downtown Chicago neighborhood. I would say that outside of certain neighborhoods, it’s pretty safe. I go for long walks all the time with no concerns. Time of day matters somewhat too. I rarely venture out after midnight.

I’m not a particularly imposing person but I grew up in a big city so I know how to navigate one. Less savvy people might have lower thresholds for safety.

[gautamcgoel]

I'm from Atlanta, and it's interesting to see ATL on this list. Does ATL have a reputation as a "rough" city? Not offended, just curious.

[creaghpatr]

Depending on the neighborhood YMMV, imagine that's the case for most of these cities.

[wenc]

I stayed in downtown ATL for a bit and it seemed pretty safe. It’s not a particularly rough city. Downtown isn’t particularly walkable though, with its 4 lane 1 way streets. I ended up driving a lot.

[ncmncm]

My son likes to relate what he has found going on in the world online.

But I have one injunction: I don't want to hear about stupid people being stupid. There is just an astounding amount of that, always has been, and everybody seems to want everybody else to know all about it, in detail.

[exhilaration]

Don't go to stupid places filled with stupid people doing stupid things and you'll likely be okay — and this includes bars after midnight just about anywhere. Nothing good happens after midnight, but I digress.

I see we both watch the same YouTube channel!

[gautamcgoel]

Which channel is that?