Yeah, late to the thread, I know.
Couple of years back I commuted regularly from Maltby to near the Ski Village. 150 miles per week, if I did all 5 days. I just bit the bullet and went via Whiston to Tinsley.
Coming back past the retail park at night, the traffic is thick and slow. I just made a 3rd lane and went down the middle. In winter, with a couple of big bright lights the drivers don't know what the hell you are and I've seen cars pull to the side to let me through like the parting of the red sea! :-)
I considered looking for tracks, but its a long enough commute by road.
Still in Maltby BTW, thinking about dragging the bike out....