I live in Philadelphia. I ride everyday, and everywhere for years now. This is an amazing biking city and it is really growing in popularity. All good things, but I cannot tell you how many newbie riders I see doing the dumbest things.
It really is the most dangerous thing anyone can regularly do within legal limits. One lapse in attention or judgement and you’re on your’re way to the ER.
Love the recommendation about check, double check, confirm, and the suggestion to ride aggressive. It works.

I’d add two things though. First, if you have two lanes, ride between cars rather than on the far right or left between parked and moving vehicles. That’s the way to get doored. Plus drivers seem to always give more space between lanes of moving traffic than the parked cars. Don’t know why, but there’s room in the middle. Of course you gotta bwe aware of lane jumpers, but that’s usually easier to see than the flying door!

Second, DON’T RIDE ON THE SIDEWALKS!! They are for pedestrians. Exception: You are within a block or so or your destination, then coast. Go slow or walk it. Keep in mind that you are in the wrong when riding on a sidewalk.

when i am riding in amongst vehicles i assume that each and every one of them will try and kill me if they get the chance, which keeps me vigilant and super-aware of the dummies drinking coffee, putting on lipstick etc while driving.

Advice about riding in traffic is great.

A little less scaremongering, though, please.

Isn’t going to New Orleans more dangerous than riding in traffic?

Your chances of being killed in a car accident really are greater than most anything else you’ll experience in your lifetime.

A bit dramatic wouldn’t you say. I’m sure it was planted as a “hook”, but I’m not taking the bait.