I've driven VBB, and it's scary even in a car. Not to mention all the tourons in overloaded Canyoneros. (I should talk, that's who I am when I come to V.B.) I'd almost say you're safer on the sidewalk out there, since the sidewalks in that part of town get little or no use from peds. I don't think taking the lane full-time in this situation is the right call, for all the reasons you mentioned.