My rule in bad areas is ride fast, keep your head down, mind your own business.
Being male, I don't have some (one) of the specific concerns of females, but staying disengaged is a good thing. OTOH even very bad areas often aren't nearly as bad as they might seem. For example, if you breakdown on the road, there's an excellent chance that the first person who stops to help is black or Hispanic, even when they're in the minority of the local drivers.
However, the best thing people can do is ride in groups vs. riding solo. I don't know if that's practical in your case, but if there are enough cyclists, hesitate or slow down until some catch up with you and ask if they're ride in a convoy with you.
Lastly, if in doubt about the area, the logical course it to ride around rather than through it. If that's no an option, consider using a tire sealant hoping to reduce the odds of flatting in the wrong place. That and learn to fix flats fast.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.