Grew up in Bryan/College Station. A little drier, but I agree.

To the topic: Baltimore is a pothole with a city growing around it. My wife had spinal surgery at Hopkins and I think everything was undone on the drive out of Baltimore.

One specific city traffic technique not yet mentioned here helps me quite a bit, and secondarily, the motorists with whom I deign to share the road: When I'm approaching a red light on flat or uphill street, I pull all the way to the right and set a foot down on the curb, about 3 car lengths back from the light. This unmistakeably signals to the motorists that I've yielded the lane to them. When it goes green, I let all the motorized traffic zoom by (ESPECIALLY the right-turners) then I go. This way I get a short rest to catch my breath, and I'm not delaying anyone who might be in a big, motorized hurry.

At the downhill lights, I just take the lane, since I'm just as fast-starting as the cagers in that situation.

From when I started riding on a regular basis to what I do now, the thing that made the biggest difference in my sanity and comfort level was this:

Smart route choice.

I initially rode routes that were very similar to what I would have taken if I was on my motorcycle. This was a mistake. With a little forethought and planning, I was able to find routes that were only slightly longer that were much calmer. My anxiety level went way down, and riding to work every day is now fun--the highlight of my day, really. Look for slower, less trafficy roads, and ones that have bike lanes or good shoulders if possible. I don't know what the roads are like near you, but I also have to avoid cobblestones and rough pavement if I can.

Lascauxcaveman, that's clever and terribly considerate of you. I'll think about it, but it wouldn't work in NYC where the stream of cars is sometimes never broken.

When I ride my bike to work, I ride down Drake ave. to the Parkway then cut behind the Wal-mart, past the Honda dealer and take the foot bridge across the creek to Lowe Mill. Drake has four lanes for traffic plus a center left turn lane. By moving out into the right hand lane a few feet, the cars passing me are all in the left hand lane. I also do that trick of turning my head to let approaching cars I know they are there.

Because "rush hour" traffic is way too hectic on that route, I leave the house early. Those soccer moms in their SUVs are very dangerous as everyone of the drivers is on their cellphone, putting on makeup, yelling at the kids in the back, and drinking coffee.

Since the country roads are often curvy and/or hilly, I will wave cars around me when I see the way is clear or hold my arm out to let them know a car is approaching. Nearly everyone waves at me when they pass and I wave back. never know when I may need to hitch a ride from one of them. :D

I do the pedal fast in low gear but I try to go as fast as I can and most or at least 50% of the time I am as fast as the stop and go traffic.

I also go on the sidewalk in rush hour times- not fast, super slow and always give pedi's the right of way, sometimes I pedal backwards to alert them (its not illegal in my town to go on sidewalks) sometimes even getting off my bike- big deal, its a hell of alot better than being stuck in my car, and I am not super rushed ever.

Most of the time it is residential streets- just be super aware and wave some cars by you if they are trailing behind you.

I also do not wear a helmet. Studies show that cars are more cautious around non helmeted bikers. Rest of the time I am on bike paths.

It will take a season or 2 to get into shape- off season weights help big time.

Heh. The joys of small town life. Our "rush hour" wouldn't impress anybody. Except maybe someone from where the main mode of transport is mules or camels.

OTOH, I was in NYC for a week a couple years ago (alas, without a bike), and the flatness of the terrain and the relatively slow traffic make it seem pretty doable to me, at least in Manhattan. I'm pretty sure I'd be a lane-taker there, for the most part. Looking forward to visiting again, this time with a bike and no specific schedule to adhere to.