Originally Posted by
John E
Given a reasonable choice, I would select either a slower or a wider road, but perhaps NC cyclists lack options.
Yup, we for the most part do lack such options. The statewide speed limit is 55. This means if the road isn't otherwise posted, and you're not in a city which has a lower citywide speed limit, the speed limit is 55. This means that the thousands (millions?) of miles of rural roads are all 55 MPH roads. Very few of these roads have anything resembling a paved shoulder.
Once I leave my neighborhood, I am on 55 MPH, no shoulder roads. Fortunately I'm far enough from the nearest city that MOST of the drivers have at least a little patience and pass me when it's safe. However, I do routinely find that I need to take the lane to prevent unsafe passing.