I have started from there three times. Always together with my bicycle. Two times in a very small car (had to dismount the front wheel of the bike). Once it was dark night (22:00). I never waited more than 15 minutes!
The spot has an ample breakdown lane where cars and trucks can stop.
The place is lit by the street lights of a cross-walk/zebra crossing being 50 to 80m away from this spot, i.e. your are well seen at night.