Setting aside the solo crash detailed in the article, I would say I have had more close calls on a path than on a regular road, and I spend much more time on roads than paths. I think the problem (or at least part of it) is a lack of protocol. People walk down the path and don't look or indicate before switching directions, people walk dogs on long leashes, people don't slow to pass other path users, etc. Back to the article linked, it is unfortunate and perhaps a good reason to reconsider path design.
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It's like riding a bicycle