Try this:

When you pull up to a light and you are the first "vehicle" there, pull back about 15-20 feet from the corner and look back for cars who want to make a right turn on red. Wave them up. Smile, make eye contact.

Remember that cars are in a hurry because they can be, because they have engines.

The fact that you are riding a bike means that you can take your time, right?

Many times they want to turn right but don't signal. So use hand gestures and "ask" them . This will also guage what kind of mood they are in. Are they arguing on their phone? Angry girlfreind in the car?

Let one car go straight across as a "blocker" like in football. Just be careful of cars making a left from the oncoming, as they might not see you behind this "blocker".

If someone is in front of you and you are back and to the right and in their "blind spot", You have the advantage.

As a combat example, smart cops approach vehicles from the passenger side blind spot when they pull you over so they can dodge a firearm assault. (It's hard to shoot over your right side and through the back windshield and chassis. The back windsheild tends to deflect bullets downward by ricochet).

The fact that you are in the blind spot will make them think twice. Use his passenger side mirror to keep an eye on his intentions.

If a vehicle suddenly pulls up next to you as you are stopped at a light to start trouble, say nothing, and move BACKWARDS into their blind spot. Works great, when there's a vehicle behind them, as to continue their BS they'd have to back up. Most won't bother, even if there's no one behind them . Get on the sidewalk if you have to. This will prevent him from backing into you. Hopefully the curb will be 6" high.

Get their tag number, note the type of vehicle.

If you are riding along and let's say a huge drunken redneck (or whatever, use your imagination) zooms up beside you to start trouble, slam on your brakes. (If you don't have someone tailgating you).

You can stop on a dime. They cannot.

I did this last night as a matter of fact. For him to stop it will take 30-40 feet at least, with all that weight. This is great fun. I did this once to a huge pickup with a Bad Boyz sticker. Boy was that kid frustrated . He probably wanted to brain me with a beer bottle. He rolled his passenger window down.

Carry Mace, but use it as last resort.

Do NOT go to their driver's window, great way to get shot.

I just realized also that you could have been run over, lying in the street.

Yep, expect the cops to do nothing unless they witness the whole thing.

Kudos for being mature and sharing that. It does help other cyclists.

I'm glad you are ok, Most of us have gone down Adrenalin Alley.

BTW, if you are 20 feet back from the intersection and the vehicle that's going to squeal and smoke, you won't have to breathe the fumes.