On the Bristol Bath cycle path, canal section, I am very cautious about going 'water' side, if approaching from behind, or if they are not looking / concentrating (which is the norm - especially textbox-titheads & people talking to friends), since you can't rely on them not wandering.
If I go land side and they 'wander' the worst place I end up is on the ground
on dry land, whereas on the other side, I'm swimming and my bike is GONE, unless of course I can't release my cleats, in which case I am also GONE...
I know I am stupid, but I'm not that stupid