The longer I ride my bike in the city, I fear cars much less because I've learned to avoid putting myself (and them) in dangerous situations.
What I do fear is other cyclists (on cruisers) and pedestrians.
The only two accidents I've had in the last two years was from getting hit by two different people on giant heavy cruisers/hybrid bicycles. They never seem to have control of those bikes and can't keep a straight line.
This is my experience exactly. Cars are generally predictable and most drivers are really careful. In my experience most dangerous situations arise from pedestrians walking on te cycle lane abruptly or from other cyclists that don't obey the traffic laws. In the end, I think it's much safer to ride on the road than on cycle lanes (where in addition one is hard to track for drivers).
Oh, and a helmet once saved me from serious head injury. I don't know if it should be compulsory, but I recommend wearing one.
What I do fear is other cyclists (on cruisers) and pedestrians.
The only two accidents I've had in the last two years was from getting hit by two different people on giant heavy cruisers/hybrid bicycles. They never seem to have control of those bikes and can't keep a straight line.