I think you've put your finger on the problem! I know I hear different experiences from people I know that ride virtually the same routes I ride. What is the calculation used to determine the safety/danger/risk of any traffic situation? (rhetorical question only)

I know from riding with some other cyclist friends.... the areas/situations we consider as risky vary a lot. I haven't discovered any accident/injury/death reports that would relate to these attitudes ether.

One small neighborhood that has had two cycling deaths in recent years (about half of all local cycling deaths) isn't considered dangerous by anyone I know. And I ride through that same area virtually dozens of times a year myself. Yet another area that is highly trafficked by both cars and bicycles... is considered very dangerous by most. Although in 20+ years... I can't recall even one accident involving a cyclist. And to honest... I pretty much avoid that area... as do many of my [cyclists] friends.

Apparently.... much of the dangers are emotion or "observation" based.