Originally Posted by Serge *******
It is never necessary to ride on the wrong side of the road opposing traffic.
Our roads are designed for proper vehicular driving. A bicycle can easily be operated in the vehicular manner, albeit often a slow vehicular manner.
If road tests were required, you would probably not pass. You might consider taking a LAB (League of American Bicyclists) Road 1 course. See their website bikeleague.org.
You've been hit by a lot of cars? Yikes! Ever consider that might have something to do with your doing "whatever it takes to get to work and home"?
I too used to think there were all the nuts out there. Then I learned and started riding in the vehicular manner per the book Effective Cycling by John Forester. Almost all of the nuts disappeared!
Ever time I have been hit by a car I was follow the rule of the rode . But the people in the car do not . Like taking on a cell phone and driving . So like I said you have to do what you have to do . Even if you have to go the wrong way or on the sidewalk . Just has you get their safe .