When I was in California, I used to cycle from Milpitas to Santa Clara (Near Great America). Predominantly along Montague Expressway (then along Lick Mill and Tasman). In Vancouver, I commute from the Point Grey area along the Off-Broadway Bike Route. It is traffic-calmed and so not many chances for close calls. The car driving crowd here is pretty knowledgeable, and dont honk @ you if you travel in the middle of the lane (HUGE problem in California). I have to commute to downtown Vancouver, and sometimes I almost get doored. I have been escaping so far.
1) Ride in a Straight line and be extremely predictable. 2) Think like a Car, and _act_ like one. 3) Don't jump red lights and wear a helmet. 4) At a minimum slow down near stop signs. Stopping is perfect. 5) Never trust a car driver. Be extremely paranoid.