Originally Posted by
christofoo
The only way I'd agree with that on this road is if I took the sidewalk and rode 5 mph. At that point cycling is defeated.
On this stretch the speed limit is 40 mph and the shoulders are insufficient. The safest (expeditious) way to ride is in the lane, and faster is better. Honestly I've looked for an alternate route, but this is the best option.
The tendency to end-flip can be mitigated by balance. I know other cyclists who claim they can stop faster than cars. Personally I seem to stop a little slower than cars, although I haven't tested that thoroughly.
Here's where I think we'll end up agreeing to disagree. No problem with riding in the lane, or on this road. But faster doesn't automatically mean safer, even if the speed limit is 40 mph. The main reason is the decreased time for reacting, even if we assume that one can brake just as well as a car. The only advantage of speed is to reduce the likelihood/severity of a hit from behind crash, which is the rarest sort of crash there is.