I've always tried to avoid lengthy rides on shoulder-less roads every chance I get. We are also blessed with a lot of excellent MUP up here which I made a point of buying a house close to. Ironically I have a short ride on a shoulder-less road to get there but it's straight, short, open and little trafficked.

I do ride pretty defensively but If I've got a bike lane I'm good. If people park in it, not so much.