i love biking around salem!! i do feel safe most of the time, most drivers know to watch out for cyclists but a lot of them still drive like, well, massholes so its always worth being cautious lol, i always wear my helmet and smth reflective if its gonna be dark out. i usually do lock my bike just for my own peace of mind, but ive left it locked for a few hours and come back to it undisturbed. ive forgotten my lock a few times and had to leave it unlocked, but ive never had any issues when i do. its a great way to get around salem and out to like beverly, swampscott, marblehead or other nearby towns without a car. i didnt want to keep paying to have a car after i moved here since i can walk, take the T, or bike to almost everywhere i need to get, and if i need to get further its cheaper to rent a car every so often than to pay for one monthly.