I agree with you. Certainly there will be outliers – such as the inner city in those bad areas where people are already predisposed to crime. Likewise the highway if it is such an effective EMP that it actually kills the cars. People in that sudden parking lot will likely lose their minds.
When it comes to travel, I think getting out on the smaller highways is the way to go IF you have a functioning car, and avoid all towns.
If on foot or bicycle, I would head out as soon as you can, and stick to back roads away from any people. Possibly travel by night.
In the first week or so, I think you might consider seeking shelter for the night at a church of synagogue.
After 10 days or (if not sooner – I’d love to hear what others think) I would likely transition to traveling along train tracks and the service roads that run along the bottom of power lines (and the clear cuts that are made for those lines).
Also, when anywhere near population areas, I would quickly transition to traveling at night and holing up during the day.
I know I have said it elsewhere, but I would use google maps to plan out my bug out route and print it out. I’d use back roads, train tracks, power lines, hiking and snow mobile trails (many of which are online) I’d suggest setting google maps to walking, and then rechecking the route via biking, so it incorporates those options.
Just my 2 cents.