I don't deny the risks you list, particularly when it comes to urban riding -- but on this particular stretch of road it is most certainly the cars behind you that pose the greatest risk. The cars at intersections are obviously a large risk as well, but it's offset by the fact you can see them, and thus react.
Makes sense, I missed the part where you'd specified that one stretch of road.
But still, although you can see cars at intersections, whether you see them in time to react is the important question and speed is a critical factor there.
