The dangers and risks will always be out there, you can't really change stupid behaviour of other people.
The best thing to do is to be very vigilant and aware. I have seen a lot of cyclists who pull out of side streets without looking, I have also seen cyclists who jump from a sidewalk ontu the road without looking. Never trust a pedestrian, a driver or a cyclist because there are a lot of mindless zombies out there. Get a mirror if you don't have one, at least you can see what's in the back before swerving to avoid something in front of you.