Originally Posted by cooker
Go for it.
Caveats:
As someone who once cracked a helmet in a fall, I BELIEVE!!!
Bike lanes are great in the middle of the block except when they're obstructed...learn to shoulder check early and signal a lane change into the middle of the car lane.
Bike lanes do nothing for you at intersections, except perhaps lure you into danger. You do NOT want to find yourself between the curb and a right-turning vehicle, especially a large truck, as the rear wheels squeeze in on you as he turns, and may run right over you. Lots of cyclists have been killed that way.
When you're passing along the right of a row of gridlocked cars, watch for sudden door openings.
I'm a believer as well. I cracked 2 helmets. My dad cracked 1. We're both still walking around today because of that styrofoam lid.