With filtering, if I'm in a lane that is wide enough to share, I'll move right up to the light. If it's narrow enough that I expect to take the lane when everything's moving, then I will sit in traffic. Effectively, I consider the wide curb lane to be an unmarked bike lane.

Never ride on sidewalks or against traffic (counter-flow lanes excepted). I'll admit there have been occasions where I've broken this rule - usually cases where I suddenly found the road I was on turning into a one-way against me where I least expect it - but it's certainly something to avoid. Really, in those situations, I should get off and walk. A cyclist can easily become a pedestrian, but you do have to get off the bike. Aside from being inconsiderate to pedestrians, research shows that sidewalks are the most dangerous place to ride.

Helmets are a personal preference. Don't lecture or scorn those who make a different decision than you. Lights are a must in the dark, so feel free to lecture and scorn the ninjas.

I hate hi-vis for fashion reasons, but it is really effective at making you stand out, and does encourage cars to give a wider berth.

Edit - oh yeah, almost forgot. Always remember that cars are driven by sheep. If one car in a line makes the turn, it takes something really big and obvious to prevent the next one from following. You are not big and obvious, the line will continue to go, even if you have the right of way.

And a final must-do. If a car advertising "student driver" is nearby, and is yielding their right of way to you, don't take it. Sit until they go. I figure with older drivers, they're just morons, but with the student drivers there's an excellent opportunity to actually learn the rules of the road. You'll quickly find that drivers improperly yielding right of way is more legal, but just as annoying as improperly cutting yours off.