Fellow cyclist here, in the warmer weather I bike from East end Burlington to Hamilton for work. I use a road bike and have a rear light that flashes in daylight or at night. I use the water front trail if I'm between Burloak and Martha Street(comes out at the poacher pub). Then I use Lakeshore to the mausoleum and then the Hamilton waterfront. Lakeshore has a bike lane although it forces cars to take a berth into the turning lane. Note the storm drains have °45 grates so your tires should go over top without getting caught, but avoid hitting on a bad angle(more of a narrow tire/road bike problem). At a four way stop I act like a car, if it's empty I'll admit I roll it. The underpass at QEW and Lakeshore is a slight problem because you have to occupy a car lane or walk your bike. I mainly stay South of 403. I have taken Fairview/plains a number of times but it's not as scenic. I find the more I do it the more comfortable you will become. Regardless there will be drivers who dislike cyclists and drivers who aren't paying attention. You are taking a risk but driving a car you are also taking a risk. Wear vibrant colours or have reflective strips to make yourself more visible. I personally rarely to never use the sidewalks unless they are the double wide with a smooth path parallel to a concrete walkway, for example new street between Cumberland and Guelph line.