I think the key here is mostly to go slow. Right now,if I'm bike commuting I need to keep up with cars or risk getting rear ended or tailgated or shouted at. Setting things up so you don't have to worry about cars while on your bike means you can bike at a more reasonable speed instead of 25mph.
Think beach cruiser bikes not guys in spandex on race bikes
Think beach cruiser bikes not guys in spandex on race bikes