Update: I took an alternate route to work yesterday on side streets, and I discovered a bike path behind a neighbourhood that I have been passing all this time! My commute was quiet and smooth for the most part, except for where I had to take the sidewalk of a major road that led to the bike path.

I won't be taking that route at night though, because there is no light whatsoever on the path.

When you take the lane on a major road, about how fast are you going? I want to chance it and see how motorists respond.