Originally Posted by AdamDZ

I thought mirrors were "meh..." too, but I started using a glasses mounted mirror last year and I can't live without it. It takes no time to look behind you, just a glance, a movement of the eyes: the mirror is in your field of view all the time. Even in dense traffic I like to see what's behind me. It takes a fraction of the time compared to turning around and you never lose the view of what's in front of you. Sometimes idiots try to use the bike lane for passing so it's good to see that.

Speaking of fear of streets: what you fear will hurt you. Get rid of the fear or stay away from the streets. Fear makes you make mistakes and clouds your judgement. When afraid you are indecisive and drivers can see that and will take advantage of it. You need to ride like you belong, like you know what you're doing and be confident. If you're scared on the street you will make mistakes that can cost you. Try gradually, a shorter route on a slow day, like on a weekend. Don't expose yourself to the craziness of full, rush hour commute right away. Look for better routes. It's completely possible to get rid of this fear and be comfortable riding on the streets, but like everything else, it takes time and practice. Take it easy.

I disagree with the "Just do it" philosophy.