I'd feel like **** and a massive hypocrite if I rode a cab anywhere that public transit runs. And I'd feel worse taking public transit a distance of less then 5 blocks. Big cities are generally safe at night. Especially New York. You're always safe if there are people mulling around.
Hi GML, you have described yourself as being a tall, large, youngish male person. Your honest feelings about walking in a city at night are your own.
For me, a woman, I hate being on the street at night, it was bad enough before I got robbed at gunpoint walking home from work on "my" street when it wasn't even dark out. I have been followed, accosted, harrassed, any number of times and I'll give the whole thing a pass whenever possible. Can't stand being on the street at night although I am glad I moved to a smaller, safer city.
Experiences differ, a big guy cannot translate his attitude, feelings, experiences to those of a lone female on the street, day or night really. It's just not the same, and I have noticed guys don't use their imaginations in this regard very much. It never occurs to them that someone might feel unsafe for good reason.