Emily, I missed your post, too, on getting back in the saddle, so to speak. Good for you. I heartily agree to stay off the roads until you are ready and are in a more bike friendly area, at least. You'll know when the time is right.

Have always found it interesting how some areas can be so bike friendly and others not at all. I don't think it's always by design, though. Sometimes a matter of how the roads are laid out in an area and what kinds of roads. When it's all too the good, bicyclists seem to come and make it their own. In your travels, bet you've seen it all. Will be sure to check with you when in a new area. Get well.