Routing question - what would you do?

[MommyBird]

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=...29es0SEMv0CdlA

You may want to drive your routes, both ways, on several days of the week, and at various times of day to check the traffic patterns. Then Practice on the bike you are most comfortable with before you try the new bike.

Cross roads and driveways are areas that require special attention. Watch for approaching vehicles, not just the ones at the intersection. Always make eye contact with the driver to insure that they know you are there. It is always best to exchange a wave or nod with the driver. We even do this on our country roads when we pass a driver getting ready to pull out. We never assume that we have been seen.

I have Blackburn Fleas on my bike. Front and back. I keep them in the flashing mode. They are extremely bright LEDs that charge by USB.
http://www.blackburndesign.com/lights.html

I am blessed to live on a country road but I have toured around a lot of cities sightseeing and I know it can be intimidating.

[OakLeaf]

Since Catrin's a relatively new rider, I just want to reiterate.

MommyBird, I know you've posted several times with the advice to "make eye contact," but you should never rely on this.

It doesn't hurt to do it - if only because it means devoting the attention required to size up the situation and gain cues as to what they might be about to do from their body language and head and eye movements - but as I said before, I can't tell you how many times someone has looked me square in the eye and then pulled right out in front of me, on both the bici and the moto. Most experienced motorcyclists will tell you the same thing. Honestly, I so rarely see this trope posted on bicycling sites that I think it's already been discarded by most bicyclists.

[crazycanuck]

A cycling friend of ours learnt that eye contact w a driver DOES not mean anything.

He was on his way home & came to a roundabout:looked at the driver & she acknowledged him. What happened next is something I don't wish on anyone-She hit him, then panicked and hit the gas pedal. This then threw him into a ditch & he ended up with a leg broken in 3 places, broken arm, etc. He's back riding but can't run. Total bummer for someone that did adventure races & 1/2 im's.

Don't assume..!!!!