I've been here 3 years as a pure pedestrian, relying on the Green Line to cart my butt around to more exotic locations than my neighborhood. And if you know the Green Line, you know there's not much to rely on.

I just bought a vintage English city bike to cart my butt around the city a little faster, and maybe even lose some of that butt. I've been pretty happy with it so far, but I'm still walking a lot of the way because ROADS TERRIFY ME. Even as a pedestrian I've had a few close calls with drivers who don't pay attention.

I do have a driver's license, so I know that a bike is a vehicle and almost all rules that apply to cars also apply to bikes. Respect one way streets, go with the flow of traffic, stop at stop signs, don't ride on the sidewalk. I've got those down.

I've been sticking to non-major roads (with and without bike lanes) and dedicated bikepaths, and getting used to riding in the middle of the lane like I own the street in areas with no or poor quality bike lanes. Left turns still wig me out, and I usually hit the sidewalk, dismount, and walk my bike instead. And I'm very unsteady getting started.

I'm still not sure where it's appropriate to drop in or out of roads. I figure any driveway where cars expect other vehicles to be coming out of?

How do I get my confidence up? What's a good way to plan trips to avoid major roads? Also, any safety equipment you'd recommend? I already have nice big reflectors on my front and rear, as well as two sets of lights (in case one fizzles out), and of course a helmet. Mine has reflective tape and a red light on the rear.