Fast Streets W/Bike Lane or Side Streets?

[Eden]

I tend to be riding a bit on the faster side when I'm in the city as I'm usually riding to get somewhere and I prefer arterials (faster streets) with no bike lane, to side streets. I am not comfortable going faster than about 12-15mph on the side streets here - most of the intersections are uncontrolled, with either nothing or a small round about and visibility usually doesn't extend very far. That means cross traffic (which is often speeding....) doesn't have to stop so to be safe I have to be able to stop fast - so no riding very fast unless I want to risk being T-boned. (or worse yet hit head on by some bone head going around the traffic circle the wrong way.... this almost happened to me once)

If I'm out in the arterial I can go much faster - the lanes are wider, and there are more of them. There is also less curb side parking on arterials, which I think is inherently dangerous as it blocks your and entering drivers' views. Traffic entering from side streets always has to stop, either for a stop sign or a light and drivers have to be more alert because they know they have to expect traffic, so I don't have to worry as much about someone pulling out in front of me - and if they do I there is more space (more lanes) that could be a possible escape route. I think I get harassed less on multi lane streets too....