That seems like poor planning, if the dashed cycle lane continued straight and into the shoulder at the end of the merging lane, the potential for conflict would be greatly reduced.


In response to the original question: where I live, large, fast arterial roads are unavoidable on pretty much any trip so my biggest worry comes when I have to cross two or three lanes of traffic to make a left turn. When I'm going straight, either taking the half of the rightmost lane or a shoulder, drivers are predictable and a cyclist going straight is predictable for drivers so there's no stress, but having to track cars in front and behind me in all three lanes while also checking the road conditions and the fullness of the left turn lane while moving at 20-25 mph in traffic going 30-60 is a challenge.

As that's why very few people ride for transportation here in spite of our city's numerous bike lanes and paths, a climate that's great for cycling most of the year, and the natural beauty that makes people want to go outdoors. I've been told by numerous people that they too would love to be able to leave their cars home for short errands or the daily commute to work, but competing with cars is just too scary, so we have the catch-22 that you have to first be a strong, confident cyclist to even consider riding.