Statistically, the gain in lifespan due to the health benefits out-weighs the risk of death by car (says the guy who was hit by a car while returning from a 52-

Statistically, the gain in lifespan due to the health benefits out-weighs the risk of death by car (says the guy who was hit by a car while returning from a 52-mile round trip to buy comic books on the first day of summer vacation when he was 14, breaking jaw, elbow, a tooth, and knocking out several more teeth, as well as various other injuries the scars of which are mostly faded). It's like driving --- ride defensively, assume you're invisible to everyone, and plan accordingly. One notable option is that at need, one can dismount and walk the bike across tricky intersections.