When I first started riding, I took the Effective Cyclist course which sounds like the same as CindySue outlined. I learned all kinds of things (for example: when you're going through an intersection and you have the right of way, if you gear down (making you pedal faster) you will appear to be going faster than you are and cars will be less likely to try to cut you off. Cars think: Bike = Slow)

Also, when I had difficulty getting back on after an accident, I examined what my brain was doing (very scarey! ) and I was imagining that I'd get back on the bike & have the same accident. The fact is - I've ridden thousands of miles with no accidents. Statistically speaking, I should be just fine. So, I set out to prove my brain wrong with small, easy rides. I quickly became addicted to cycling again and started riding the same as before.