Fast Streets W/Bike Lane or Side Streets?

[jessmarimba]

I commute on side streets with bike lanes. The major arterials between my home and work all have bike paths alongside the roads, and they scare me. "real" cyclists ride in the roads there but I'm not fast enough. I prefer side streets.

[nscrbug]

Where I live and ride, there are no roads with designated bike lanes. There are a few roads that are designated as "bike routes", but there are no marked lanes for cyclists...so you're just out there with the traffic and have to be careful.

I don't have much of a choice when it comes to riding on the roads. I've done it now for 3 years and have gotten to the point where I'm comfortable and not afraid of traffic. I ride on roads where speed limits range anywhere from 25 - 55mph, and most have nothing but a 1.5 foot "shoulder" (if you want to even call it a shoulder)...some have no shoulder...just a white line and the end of the pavement. I just make sure that I'm always visible, signal my intentions, and like another poster said...look like I mean business and belong out there.

In my area, there are so many stop signs, traffic signals, and busy intersections, that you literally can't go even a 1/2 mile before you have to stop. Taking side streets would be even worse, as every side street in these neighborhoods has a stop sign at every block. It would take forever to get anywhere if I stuck to using only side streets. Unfortunately, I don't have all the time in the world to ride...so I have to make the best of the time that I do have and that means riding some busy, congested, and often dangerous roads. I'll take my chances and hope for the best.

[Velocivixen]

I enjoy reading everyone's answers to this.
I'd say I'm not afraid of bike lanes on busy streets. I actually giggled as I rode on the busy street, in the bike lane, cars/trucks wizzing by at 45 mph, AND I was riding up a huge, steep hill and I'm still in "2" in the front!
Thanks everyone who shared.