I rode offroad to get away from the traffic. Occasionally we would do a few organised road rides and the only change to the MTB was to fit slicks. Those organised road rides were a great intro to road riding in general. I suppose the cars were not going to do anything funny or dangerous with so many "Hostile" witness' to gang up on them.

But 4 years ago I went road. Don't know any roadies so I ride solo. Never had a problem with cars but I choose my routes away from the heavy traffic. But I drive my bike just as I would a car- except a lot slower. At junctions I make certain that I let other road users know what I am doing. I wear visible clothing and have rear light on blink all the time and sometimes use a powerfull front lamp aswell. I have a bar mounted mirror on my main road bike and use it. And on top of that- I am not too proud to get off the bike and walk it if I feel the traffic is not suitable for me.

I still have to keep my eyes and ears open though and take avoiding action if required.