I read through the comments and re-read the article. I have been using the highway for years and understand the fear many cyclists, skaters, skaterboarders, walkers and runners feel when you go out on the road. The trails will let more people get the daily exercise they need. In the long run its actually health care that can be fun.

As to the police reports at the splash pad in Debary it does not open until May 1st. Having stopped by while cycling to use the toilet I didn't find any problems or for that matter people. Also, have you checked the number of cars broken into at walmarts and malls in our area, should we not have them to lessen crime?

Safety on the trail is a hard thing. People with ear plugs on and off bikes are dangerous. I use a bell but the artificially deaf can't hear me. The most dangerous person on any trail is one who is not paying attention to their surroundings. There are signs that wild life is dangerous and present. However people are my first concern.

Trails are like any road if you are going to use it you must consider what time of day it is and what day of week it is and what the activities at other places in the area are going on. I would not ride at 1am.

Lastely, I have meet people from other countries, and other places in American who are out riding on these trails. It is a great thing. Cycling is the quiet tourism we could have lots of if we catered to it like the loud forms we seem to seek out.