may be commuting soon

[soprano]

The most important thing is to learn about bicycling with traffic. Check the League of American Bicyclists for a Traffic Skills 101 course in your area. (Looks like no classes currently scheduled but there are 4 League Certified Instructors in your area whom you could contact.) While you're waiting for an opportunity to take the class, you can read about bicycling with traffic, there are articles & books.

I agree. Take a class, or do some reading. Or both.

Here is a good website with tips on dealing with intersections. This was all non-intuitive for me, but it works.

Also: get a mirror.