Could be either. As others have mentioned, I am touring in areas that I'm not worrying about people intentionally harming me, so I'd stick to side routes because cars are a far bigger worry. If I were in an area where I were truly worried about intentional harm, mugging, kidnapping, etc., I'm not riding myself around on a bike, but if I were dumb enough to, I would be sticking to main routes.
Originally Posted by
willibrord
In some places touring cyclist are seen as an easy mark, and they travel on predetermined routes, it is pretty easy to set up an ambush. Maybe take the bus on those places.
I would highly doubt the places one is worrying about an ambush are also places that see touring cyclists in any number.