RIDE TO SOMEWHERE.
Here is the Strava Heat map of your area (I think). The darker/thicker red roads are where the most rides are done. The theory is that if you ride where many other cyclists ride, Those routes are the most enjoyable for some reason and are very popular and therefore the drivers are more accustomed to sharing. The "hotter" routes are likely to have a wider curb lane to ride in and likely less traffic. Try riding somewhere. The more you ride, the less unsafe it will seem. I visit my family in Redoak, have a bike I keep there and use the heat map to pick routes as my family does not ride and has no idea what a nice ride would be. Many Texans do a very good job of sharing the road compared to Los Angelenos.