While there are a few stretches where I can push it; normally I have traffic to deal with and I don't ride any faster than I feel confident I can stop, swerve or do what it takes to avoid the unexpected threat from an inattentive, foolish or aggressive driver. Maybe I'm getting old, maybe I've had too many close calls, but the quest for speed, and placing your attention on speed, rather than safe commuting is dangerous whether on a bike, or in a car.