I started riding the roads this past year because I couldn't mountain bike. At first, I was pretty overwhelmed, but you get used to it. As for the fast traffic road, I have to agree, most of the people including myself that have been hit or 'bumped' were from people either turning onto or off of the main road. The one road I can think of that is 50 mph that is around me has a really ample shoulder and is pretty straight, which is, to me, better than some of the windy country roads I have been on.

Funny, I was thinking the other day, what if they could put a bike lane right down that grass strip in the middle of the highway here in Mass. and put Jersey barriers on either side to protect the bikers. Wouldn't that be great? Not sure how we would get on and off the highway!!! hey it was a thought!