I used to cycle in London back in the 60s before there were any cycle lanes. Stayed alive by keeping off main roads and finding alternative routes through back streets.

And my daughter cycles a lot around Edinburgh: she was knocked off her bike by a back seat car passenger opening his car door without checking behind first. The car in question was illegally parked in an active bus lane! Hardly the cyclist's fault! Fortunately no serious injuries beyond a few bumps and bruises and a skinned finger.