Hello [MENTION=405830]pennyapple[/MENTION] - When I first began bike commuting I found it quite intimidating to ride with traffic. I would stay as far to the right as I possibly could, which sometimes meant that I ended up having to veer out into traffic to avoid a parked car. Over time, I became more confident and learned how to anticipate the flow of traffic. It took a while before I really understood what it meant to "take the lane" and when I should do it. Riding with cars around you can be a little scary at first, but it is usually not dangerous. You just need time and practice to become more confident. While you are gaining that experience and confidence, be easy with yourself. Get off the bike at busy intersections and cross like a pedestrian if you have to. Standing on a corner at a light gives you a great chance to study the situation and figure out what the best approach is. Finally, I concur with others who have recommended getting a mirror. It really helps! This is the one I use: http://www.amazon.com/Mirrycle-MTB-M...ycling+mirrors.