In some cases, bike lanes are great. In other cases, they push you into a door zone or expose you to being right-hooked. And they do nothing to protect you from people who are impatient, distracted, etc. I was once almost right-hooked while cycling in a bike lane by a big SUV with a sign on the door that said "CLERGY." Evidently some clergy think some of the 10 commandments are optional when bicycles are involved.

I do my best to avoid high-traffic areas when I'm out cycling for recreation. Of course that's not so easy when you're using your bike for transportation, running errands, commuting, etc.