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@d0cA
i grew up and still live in this area (highbury/islington/essex road/de beauvoir/newington green/canonbury). i think it's probably better than it was and agree that it's pretty safe (well, as safe as anywhere else in london) during the daylight hours and also early evenings (commuter home-time). later on, if you know the roads and you're reasonably streetwise, i.e. keep a look out for what is going on around you, it should be fine most of the time... most all of the incidents i know about happen cos people are being foolish, or arrogant, or both - and incidents can happen anywhere, too. i know of someone getting smashed in the face and his bike stolen in finsbury park, about 8pm, lots of people about; another who got attacked by a bunch of 14 year olds while stopped at a traffic light in the angel about 9.30 at night (after dark) - but who were obviously just doing it for a laugh as they didn't touch the bike. both those incidents were years ago, though.
most recent scary thing that happened to me - other than drivers who try to kill you on a daily basis (we all have our regulars, eh?) - was kids in hackney chucking fireworks at me while i was riding on the hallowe'en ride: there was a group of lfgss riders in front, a few more behind, but decent-ish gaps between us (half a block?). suddenly there was this almighty bang and some smoke in front of me, followed rapidly by several more minor explosions behind me. i got the hell out of there!