Since Miami has many canals where only major roads cross (smaller ones just end at the canal) I'm forced to ride on roads with heavy traffic. I used to leave right after rush hour ~9am, but I've found that riding during rush hour is probably safer. Cars are usually at a stand still! Once I pass a car 90% of the time I never see it again. I ride in the street an take just two streets to get to work. The street with the heavy traffic doesn't have side walks just grass on the side of the road so if a car is to far to the right I pass them on the grass. I used to just wait in line for the light but got tired of breathing in the fumes. Now when the light is red I go to the front of the queue and make sure that I'm visibile to the car behind me. Fortunetly I'm a member of a gym 1/2 block from work so I shower there before I go into the office.
30yr old Software developer trying to get back into pre-marriage shape!