Originally Posted by CliffordK

I think you're worried too much.

Anywhere you are on the roadway, a car could veer off course and smash a bicycle.

If you are #1 in a line of cars, then you're a bit exposed. Further back in the line, and you aren't.

But, use your judgement for safety. There is one left turn lane that I hang left on aiming at a median strip bike path. A couple of days ago the light changed red at a bad time and left me very exposed, so I headed for an island on the left side of the road across the road for a crosswalk. So, unintentionally similar to your zig-zag.