The idea that bike lanes always make cycling safer is not universally accepted. Many cyclists believe that, at least in certain circumstances, it's safer to operate in the same lanes as motor vehicles. There are a number of reasons, but a couple of the main ones are increased visibility and reduced lane conflicts in right turns.
I don't ride my bike out on the roads because of the danger of being hit. I often marvel at the courage, audacity, and sometimes foolishness of those who are brave enough to ride their bikes on our roads. There needs to be a stronger push to makes this safer.
Bike lanes should be in every city in the country. Everyone would be better off if there were bike lanes and bike use was encouraged. I realize that this probably isn't OP's intended point, but it's worth mentioning.
I ride in the street every day, and violate our "no bikes on the sidewalks" rule constantly for my own safety.
Just last week I was almost hit while hogging the lane to make a left into my apartment complex by a car that thought it would be more fun to pass on the left (over the double yellow)... while I was making said left turn.
This was in broad daylight; I can only image what would have been the case had it been at night.
Also, make sure you wear lights at night guys/gals. You can buy cheap red flashers from the dollar store.