If you are from Chicago, NewYork, LA etc, there is no crime. If you are from a very small community, the crime can seem scary. There is hardly an area where I wouldn't feel safe.
That said, I believe Madison is as safe as a modern city can be.

Mon Jun 18 2007, 20:22

In an AP story found on CNN.com Madison, Wisconsin was named as the most walkable city by PREVENTION magazine.
The list was commissioned by the American Podiatric Medical Association based on factors such as the ranking of air quality, the percentage of people who walk to work, access to parks, number of athletic shoes sold, and even weather. Madison was the only city in the top ten not in the south.

THE TOP TEN

1. Madison, Wisconsin
2. Austin, Texas
3. San Francisco, California
4. Charlotte, North Carolina
5. Seattle, Washington
6. Henderson, Nevada
7. San Diego, California
8. San Jose, California
9. Chandler, Arizona
10. Virginia Beach, Virginia

The article also talks about other things Madison has been named first in stating:
"Madison is no stranger to No. 1 rankings. People still talk about Money Magazine naming it the best place to live in 1998, although that ranking dropped to 53rd last year. Outside Magazine named it the best road biking city in August, and other high rankings have come for its being vegetarian-friendly, gay-friendly, environmentally friendly, and, well, according to Midwest Living in 2003, the overall friendliest city in the Midwest."

For a list of walking and biking trails in Madison, Wisconsin click the link

Wed May 16 2007, 22:10

The Madison area's low crime rate is enhanced by the fact that the Madison Metro area and Dane County residents are passionate about exercise and a healthy lifestyle. As such, bike lanes and bike paths abound, tennis courts are everywhere, and health clubs offer year round conditioning options. And due to the active lifestyle shared by so many, the local police departments work in conjunction with community groups and neighborhood associations to ensure a safe environment for all.

Mon Apr 23 2007, 15:51