to walk through London in the middle of the night instead of getting a taxi?

[stemstitch]

Did this last night, after I stayed too late at a friend's house and thought there was a night bus. Turns out there wasn't. It was only about a mile and a half and it was about 1am. Quite a lot of cars still driving around and I was walking mostly on main roads, which were lit, through non-dodgy area. I felt pretty safe.

Now wondering whether maybe it wasn't a bit reckless (my parents, e.g., would freak if they knew I'd done it) but also know that statistically I'm far more likely to be attacked by someone I know... Would you walk by yourself at night in a city?

Weirdly I always felt less safe walking through posher areas in West London than through tastier places in South London. In Brixton there was always some life around, but in the eery Chiswick Streets I got more creeped out. Felt like that bit in Hallowe'en where Jamie Lee Curtis is running from house to house trying to get help and everyone stays inside, taking care of themselves.

Also agree it's more dangerous in a smaller city/town. I'm fine in the anonymity of London but my hometown is much worse for boredom / drinking / aggression on the streets. Much more chance of accidentally looking at someone the wrong way or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I used to do it all the time when I lived in London, then in Manchester as a student but I don't get out much these days.
Never had any issues, even when I was a steaming drunk teenager. I am a bit nutty though, so probably look too mad to hassle.
I feel far safer on foot than in a cab, I'd rather be able to run away than be at the mercy of a stranger in a car, or getting a lift from a drunken friend.

Certain parts of Clapham are a no go area. Was a taxi or sleeping on the sofa not an option?

Don't get too complacent into thinking lone night walking is safe because you have done it once. There are some nutters out there. Keep safe.

Why do people believe taxis are so safe? Anyone could be driving a taxi! I'd rather take my chances on foot, and have walked home hundreds of times without incident.
If more people started walking home, the streets would be safer through sheer weight of numbers.

There's a lot of us living/lived in Wandsworth Clapham.

I would feel safe walking around, it's usually really busy at that time. Although I felt less safe during the riots when I looked out my window and saw people in masks from the party shop.

YANBU I would have walked in the situation you describe, keeping away from parks and deserted places

I would have walked under those circumstances without a second thought.

I have often walked home late at night usually from bus stop to bus stop waiting for the night bus from Tottenham to Finsbury Park

YANBU, I have lived in inner cities all my adult life and have had no qualms walking at night as long as you aren't paralytic, keep to well lit areas, have your phone to hand etc.

The only place I have been a 'victim' of crime is in Highgate at 5pm (bag snatched).

I love walking in cities at night. Much safer than the night bus and as others have pointed out, taxi drivers are not always to be trusted with your personal safety.

I also feel terribly sad for the posters who have been victims of street crime, rape and violence. It is very easy to fall into blaming yourself for being in the wrong place at the wrong time but please don't.