I am a college student with a bike as my main mode of transport. I only bike around the proximity of my school and not that frequently since I live on campus. I have some questions regarding how to bike in the city environment.

1. main road of sidewalk? The streets are quite narrow and not designed for bikes around my school. They are usually 1 car wide in either direction. If I bike on the road I would be blocking the car behind me. Also I don't have a helmet yet and prefer not to wear one if I don't have to. The sidewalk is bumpy and sometimes with ppl in the way. But at least I feel safer.

2. Stop lights. I've been biking on the sidewalk and starting after each stop light is very awkward for me, especially when the ground is not flat. My bike is kinda tall. I can reach the ground by leaning toward one side and tip my toes to prevent myself from falling over.

3. How do you get on a bike when a basket attached to the rear? My bike has a triangular frame. I attached a basket to the rear rack and now I find myself struggling to hop on and off the bike for obvious reasons.

Any input is appreciated.