[michaelochurch]

I rode in New York. Many streets didn't have bike lanes. I'd often be right in traffic. I was hit once (although the car was only going about 10 mph.) And there were a lot of rude assholes, sure.

Did the risk deter me? Not really. 5.8 micromorts for 100km of biking, according to the article. Inactivity or a long commute (stress, disinclination to exercise) are more dangerous. There's always a lot of press when someone dies after a marathon (the risk exists, but it's comparable to skydiving-- very small) but marathons actually reduce total deaths due to fewer traffic accidents (road closings).

Especially when the costs/risks of inactivity are included, roadside running and biking are a no-brainer winner, even in the US. Obviously, it'd be better if streets were laid out to be safer and urban speed limits were lower (in NYC, it's 30 mph, which is too high) but even as things are, it's still worth going out there.