BCarfree, I'm astounded that drivers could be so BAD that they could chase you off a road with THOSE conditions! WOW! But I can get with the alternate route idea -- I have several, most of which get used during the warmer months (I'd say Easter-Halloween).

There are a few streets where I live that are just absolute 'Mad Max' dangerous to ride a bike on; fortunately, most are not part of the 'business district' where bikes are forbidden on sidewalks (like that stops me when the need arises!). They also 'boast' rugged sidewalks that are a pure joy to MTB on.

I don't think about it all that much, because I get bored easily taking the same route all the time; so I'd switch up every couple days anyway....