I have also spent years cycling between work and home, until my luck ran out and a motorist hit me. I had several close calls before then. I spent a lot of time piecing together a route that keeps me away from vehicular traffic, but there are a few dangerous intersections that I have no choice but to go through in order to go where I have to go, and sure enough one of them was where a motorist broke my hand.

Now, working from home, I often start the day with a bike ride, but since I’m not forced to go between two specific points, I can choose a route that has a lot less risk. I am also not limited by the length of my commute, so rather than 40 minutes of riding split in two 20-minute segments, I can instead ride for a full hour if I want.

When (if?) it’s time to go back into the office, I will go back to using a steel cage with crumple zones and air bags to traverse the dangerous intersections. The cycling for fun and exercise will continue to be on my own terms with whatever routes I think are safest.

If you haven't yet, be sure to call your city councilperson and demand improvements for cycling safety. Probably nothing will happen, but it can't hurt.

Sure:

1. Cycling is only permitted on cycling paths.

2. Cycling may not exceed 5 MPH.

3. Required gear includes leather pants, a leather jacket, a helmet, a mouth guard, a crotch guard, boots, gloves, safety glasses, and a wearable air bag system.

4. Plates (a.k.a. "tags") with inspection stickers are required. Safety inspections will be quarterly.

5. Licenses will be required. Licensing implies consent for random drug testing.

Alternately, make some inexpensive common sense improvements to the streets.