>>2014341
> the sheer number of cars, buses, and lorries you would be inches from while biking in London over the course of a year, makes it seem statistically dangerous to commute there

This is incorrect way to look at it. As density increases overall traffic speed descreases, generically speaking, and in a city, even a small one, there are options of safer and slower or faster routes and different reasons you might alter a route or riding style to adjust to conditions, which, imho, the best way to ride is really over the line, solidly in asshole mode, always negotiating and never limiting one's situational options but in general, riding "aggressively" and taking every option seriously, like taking the whole lane.

Just appearing to be reckless has a generally good effect on the behavior of cars around you. So being more unpredictable is good, showing that you'll use the whole lane and totally ignore anyone behind you (of course). Like, never "do" anything for the sake of other cars- it emboldens them to get closer or share the lane or pass. You should only act "safer" because it's the best option and you're taking that action for your own sole benefit.

The only thing you have to worry about is getting rear ended, but to me that's not a problem, but more of an existential fact of life if you're in the roard at any time- and since you aren't stopping for anything "dumb" including road markings, lights, signs, or willing to kill your momentum in a lane or stuck behind a car staying paralell to traffic at intersections, you'll reduce the chances of the rear-end off the top signifcantly

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