How rideable is the Long Island Expressway service road? I am new to the NYC region, and just recently found out that the LIE even has service roads!  I was wondering how rideable the service roads are.  

I.e. Can you actually get across the various interchanges on a bike?  (Clearly if cars are expected to merge back onto the highway to ride across the interchange then that is a problem on a bike.  Though I would be willing if the cops don't care...).

As part of this, I am curious how far the service road extends, that it is possible to ride.  If there are known areas with issues, are there workarounds known?
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.