How rideable is the Long Island Expressway service road?
I would avoid the LIE Service Road At all costs during rush hour.

A couple of friends of mine have actually been issued tickets for riding on the service road. It seems to be illegal according to the New York State Department of Transportation.

Additionally many of the bicycle deaths on Long Island have occurred on the service road. We rode the service roads in a pack during rush hour cars with driving very fast and there is very little no shoulder in most areas.

It can be really treacherous during rush hour which typically starts at 2:30 p.m. and lasts until 7 p.m.