It is easier to fit between cars in the pedals because with a foot down, you are wider. i use my elbows to push against cars for balance if the space is really small. But I only really do that when the traffic is stopped.
I also try to balance and track stand when I can. So in slow moving traffic I just ride really slowly along with them. I try to avoid the sidewalk as that is losers territory. And the randomly moving meat pylons dwell there.