Be visible, that's the #1 safety tip. Hi-vis shirt or jacket and lights when it's dark, including rainy or especially foggy. Also, if you are regular in terms of the times/days, the other regulars will begin to learn to expect you. I have found that that helps.

There will always be those who are put out by your presence on what they consider their road, but I just figure it's too bad for them. They won't run my life when they're so obviously having trouble running their own.

BD is fine, by my experience i.e. my son is still riding his Windsor Hour everyday that he got over a year ago.