Reese, I started riding on the streets in San Francisco when I was your age. Never had any problems or accidents ...not even close calls. But you have a right to be scared because of your accident. Learn to listen for cars that are behind you; Learn to look over your shoulder to see what the cars are doing, and practice watching the traffic way ahead of you, so you can adjust your own speed and prepare to stop or avoid what might be a dangerous situation. And don't forget to stop at traffic lights. You have to obey the same laws as the people driving cars.

All of these riding skills come with practice, but don't allow fear to stop you from riding your bike. Not all drivers are reckless --but sometimes it seems that way. Many will honk at you; some in anger because they resent bicycles being on the same road and seem to warn you that they are behind you. (They don't want to hit you and are afraid that you don't know they are there. But if you have been using your ears, you will already know where they are.)

Riding on the sidewalk is illegal in many places (Unfortunately many cops don't seem to know this.) and it really isn't as safe for you or the people walking.

Keep riding, and I hope you wear a helmet. They are good protection.