SecretSpectrum (are you related to SecretSquirrel?)

1) Assume that every parked car is occupied and that the door is about to swing open - ride far enough away from the parked cars so that you do not have to spend too much attention worrying about them. For me, that is typically a minimum of 4' from my right (your left) handlebar the the side of the parked cars. Maintain a stable lateral line, if there is a section of the street with no parked cars, do not move closer to the curb and then swing back out towards the center of the road when approaching a parked car - approaching drivers see this as your swerving into their path.

2) If right (left in your case) turns are permitted at the light/intersection and you are going straight, stop far enough away from the curb to make it clear to turning motorists that they cannot go around you. If there are already cars stopped at the intersection when you approach, take your place in line behind the last car.

3) As far as right-of-way goes, I don't know about law in Australia, but here in the US, the rules are the same if you are on a bicycle or in a car. Since I am more vulnerable on a bicycle, if there is doubt, I will generally cede right of way to a motorist.

4) Not as often as they get hit in intersections by cars that didn't see them since they were too close to the curb.

5) In a busy urban area where there are a lot of light signals, the lights bunch the cars into packs. Plan well before the intersection, and move across between the packs of cars. If traffic is heavy, then signal and slowly move across, in heavy traffic a bicycle can generally keep up with traffic, and most motorists will allow you to slide across.

6) I use a mirror (mounted on my handlebar) to allow awareness as to what is going on behind me, which reduces the times that I have to turn my head and look over my shoulder. Practice makes perfect. Practice riding in a parking lot when it is relatively empty, ride down one of the lines, and look over your shoulder.

Most drivers are good, and will treat you with respect. Some drivers will yell, and honk their horns and otherwise try to intimidate you - this is because they are jealous. They know how much you are enjoying your ride, and they feel frustrated and trapped in their cars. Your riding safely just frustrates these people further. When someone honks or yells at you, smile and wave to them, and think of how lucky you are to be on your bike, rather than trapped in a car.