I live in San Jose where we have a light rail system, with most of the tracks running down the center divide between traffic lanes. In many areas, there are physical barriers which prevent other vehicles from driving over where the tracks are, which means that from a bicycle perspective, there is no need to worry about changing lanes. The light rail has provisions for bicycles so that you can bring your bike on board the train and although I don't take advantage of it that often, this greatly extends my wife's car-free range.

I would look at the installation of streetcars as being a positive development, but do make sure that they consider bicycles in the planning.