#28 - the secret to traffic cycling is to ride like you own the road - ride in the centre of the lane, overtake whenever possible - if you look in control and are obviously part of the traffic, cars tend to give you a little more respect (though there will always be a few who take offence to it..)

it's when you tootle along the kerb that traffic thinks it can pass you with no adjustment - if you are not fast enough to keep up with them, at least ride a good yard+ into the road, so cars have to go round you and you have room to manoeuvre if they get too close. they won't like it, but they will notice you.