Fast Streets W/Bike Lane or 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.