I ride a variety of roads with and without shoulders and the only place I have ever had problems is at intersections with red light runners or people honking at me because I take the lane in the direction I am going.

I also ride with a very bright red flashing light on my underseat bag, outside (left) rear fork and on the back top of my helmet.

I remember that the cars are bigger than me, I try to be a good driver, but I will pull off, slow down or wait until the road is a bit more clear from time to time.

It helps if you ride steady and look like you know what you are doing, plus making a point of making eye contact and turning your head back to let drivers know that you know that they are behind you.

I so much prefer highways and roads with good shoulders though.

marni