Tolerence for high traffic volumes

[Crankin]

When I was commuting, I had to make a major change when I moved; my commute went from 6.7 miles on back roads in rural suburbs to 13.8 miles on more heavily traveled suburban roads, complicated by a traffic circle that didn't allow me to get to work in the most efficient way (you can't ride there or you'll get killed). The first day I commuted, I went a longer way that ended up to be 17.5 miles, including a 3 part hill on the way there. While I sometimes ended up doing the longer ride on the way home, I did not appreciate those hills at 6:00 AM. So, I went out in the car and scouted a new route, that seemed counter intuitive and longer, but it wasn't. There was also a T intersection that scared me; a light on a slight uphill. So, after spending a few weeks driving to a point and parking and riding in about 8 miles, I braved the intersection at 6:15 AM. I found that there were rarely cars in front of me at that time, so I could handle it. A couple of times I had to scoot with my foot across the intersection, but the cars waited. I had to turn left across a fairly busy road, but the heavy traffic was going in the other direction, so there were rarely cars behind me. That's when I got really good at getting out in the lane!
So get out there and explore all of your options. While I absolutely would not ride in Boston (heck, I don't drive there, either), I know I could if I had to.

[PscyclePath]

It's mostly a matter of practice and experience. The Traffic Skills 101 course is a good way to ease yourself out there with a bit of coaching, There's also a Traffic Skills 201 course which looks at more complex situations and a little higher density traffic. Hurst's book is good, as is the new League "Smart Cycling" handbook. The Smart Cycling book also comes with all the training videos used in the TS101 course.

For now, ride where you are comfortable. A little anxiousness is okay, but if you're downright scared, that's a clear sign that you're out of your comfort zone. Practice the basics, and work yourself up to more complex situations when you start to feel more confident about approaching them. Check with one of your local LCIs... I'm sure they'd ride with you a bit to help build up the confidence...

[Biciclista]

btw, I think it's easier to do traffic by yourself, so not having a riding partner is a good thing. the best thing about heavy traffic is: THEY are all slower! YAAAY! sometimes you can actually keep up with traffic. You will find that if you are careful, congestion on a bike can be very pleasant (as opposed to being trapped in a car)

[Mr. Bloom]

Ditto to Traffic Skills 101. Since you've taken it, I encourage you to pursue more of the Bike League curriculum

Take some of your fuel cost savings and invest in LOTS of bright lights and reflective tape...and set an example for folks who under-illuminate themselves.

ETA: In looking at the map, it seems that you're well situated with Lanes that can at least get you across the river to one of the greenways...May not be the straightest route, but would keep you out of a lot of the riskier "downtown fringe" where the traffic is less disciplined and faster moving.

I believe that, if you're visible, predictable, courteous, and assertive, you should have no problem...but comfort grows with time and experience.

[Mr. Bloom]

Out of curiosity...how long is your current commute by car?