Hi Allison.
It is always good to see another Michigan biker on the forum. It is always unnerving riding in traffic. Left turns are especially hard for me. I sometimes whimp out and get off the bike and cross the road like a pedestrian for those! I find that a mirror is a must for me when I ride. It makes me more confident to be able to see what is coming from behind. I have the Take -a-Look one that fits on my sunglasses.
I'm sure you read the news today about the biker up our way that was killed by a motorist last night while riding in the passing lane of the I475 express way. A tragedy for sure, but I can't imagin what the biker was doing on that road, in that lane and after dark.
All any of us can do is be as careful as possible, wear our helmets, bright colors, and make our intentions as clear as possible to drivers. If all else fails, we are very lucky in Michigan to have some great paved rail trails.
Ride safe,
Sandy