Welcome to the forums! Regarding d/t riding:
1. door prize: look through the rear windows of cars and at their side mirrors to see if anyone's inside.
2. streetcar tracks: cut the angle as much as you can and try to unweight the bike a bit when you go over.
3. cabs: pure evil. you'll get doored by passengers, cut off when they pull over of a fare, etc.
4. intersections: don't ever pass someone on the right. that'll be the exact moment that they turn (even if they're not signaling) and then you're in trouble.
5. your rights: don't be afraid to take the whole lane if you don't feel safe otherwise. it's your legal right.
That's a lot of "bad things" info, but you'll also enjoy a great set of rides on your bike everyday, fun exercise, more money in your pocket, etc. etc. etc. Post a picture of your bike sometime and I'll say hello if/when I see you on the street. What's your commute, btw?
Edit: got my spell on.