When I used to live in NYC, a huge peloton of mostly semi-professional biker used to ride in Central Park every summer afternoon when the park was closed to traffic (7:00 pm). I have seen them scare the hell out of people just politely jogging along on the side of the road. It was frightening.
I tried to tag along once at the very end. That lasted for about an eighth of a mile (at best). And I was in great shape. Those guys were killers on wheels. If they were riding on highways, I doubt they would have been thoughtful.
There are two lengthy trails here for bikers and pedestrians (Belt Line in the city, Silver Comet Trail in an old railbed outside of town). The Silver Comet is 95 miles long - all the way from Smyrna GA to Anniston AL (it becomes the Chief Latiga Trail when it enters AL). You have to pack your bikes to a trailhead, but after that you’re not contending with motor vehicles — just hilarious “Baby Cop” electric police cars (really just dolled up golf carts). There is a problem with crime on the trails in some segments, esp. for women - you have to always travel in a group, there have been rapes and at least two murders of women riding alone.
Good on ya for trying! I wouldn't have been in it at all, even 30 years ago. Now if I'd had a horse . . . .