As a motorcyclist from age 16, I viewed all motorized vehicles as irresponsible/unlikely to give any attemtion when it came to my safety, thus adopted a defensive driving attitude which carried over to cycling. Doesn't matter if I'm on a MUP or highway. My longtime goal is to raise the odds of avoiding an accident and that means time and place, that is picking the time and place where I ride. It also means awareness, visibility, descionmaking.

I'm a recreational rider. It'd be more difficult if I was a commuter as time and place would be more constrained unless I made other decisions (where to live or work).

As to occasional forum comments from posters advocating a more aggressive attitude (take the lane for example)...well..if an aggressive attitude results in a negative attitude about bikers in general, that's counter productive... I save such energy for advocacy on capital improvements that truly increase safety. Be it MUP planning/construction, tunnel safety, shoulder improvements, signage, organized rides, etc.