The late, great, Jeff Cooper's work on mind conditions is definitely worth learning. Being aware is the best self-defense, even if it only gives you time to get a plate number before you hit the ditch.

My difficulty is maintaining a sense of awareness while enjoying cycling. The pleasure of riding takes my little brain away...

I ride in Canada, too, and there are cities where it seems drivers have a contest to see who can be the biggest asshat (Hamilton and Dunnville come to mind, yet I hear Angus is the worst).

I'd carry a gun if it was legal, but here only criminals and police are allowed. Self-defense is considered uncivilized.