It seems the consensus is consistent with the theory: Each additional MPH is much more dangerous than the previous one. Further, even during the 40mph portion of my commute, being hit by a car would be very serious.
@bragi: This IS the alternate route.
The more obvious and shorter route is down a 55mph (45 posted) divided highway with narrow shoulders. Hey, at least there's no cars parked on the street.
To JW and others: I'm glad to hear you're riding again/still.
I know Honda is very interested in safety, especially pedestrian crash safety. I wonder whether they test their doors in door-bike scenarios. Probably not, since you'd survive hitting just about any door. All the better if you sail over it.
I rode today despite the wind. I saw two other cyclists during the fifteen minutes I was out. I haven't heard of any cyclist deaths on local bikepaths or roads, so I'm going to guess it's safe enough.