Scout in advance via Google Street View.

Be aware that Google Street View may not reveal actual commuting conditions -- depends on year, day, time, etc.

Check Strava heat map or other resources. Sometimes fellow cyclists have found alternate routes that aren't immediately apparent.

Trial run outside peak traffic hours or on a weekend.

For nighttime rides, more lights. I like plenty of separation between lights to help drivers judge distance, orientation, approach speed, etc. I have front and rear lights on my helmet and bike. Often more than one light on the bike, front and rear. Unlike cars we can't get enough horizontal separation between headlights and taillights to assist with spatial orientation, but we can do vertical separation.