Checking all the cars as you ride is rather distracting, and a lot of cars have tinted windows. Practically speaking, you can't reliably look into all the cars and pay attention to everything else going on. Personally, I try to stay as far to the outside of the door zone as traffic allows.
> Practically speaking, you can't reliably look into all the cars and pay attention to everything else going on
I can and I do. Keep your head on a swivel. Get used to looking directly behind you while keeping your bike straight. Pay attention at least a block ahead and to the patterns of traffic. And if you find it difficult to pay attention/there is too much stimulus, slow down or ride on the sidewalk. Unfortunately, there aren't many places in America like the Netherlands where you can bike while being somewhat carefree.
As you cyclist, I've picked up on certain patterns. Here's a few things I picked up, but they may be local:
-Minivan drivers are the worst, so give them a wide berth.
-If you are passing driveways/alleys, slow down. Drivers can't see until their windows are unobstructed, yet the front of their car may stick out 6ft or so.
-If you see someone swerving slightly, leaving one or more car lengths ahead of them at a stop light, or constant accelerating and braking, the person is on their phone.
-Getting into a yelling match with someone in a car is always a bad idea, even if they are assholes and disregarding the law. They have a 2-ton death machine. Even if you rammed a car at full speed, the damage you would do is likely to be less than the deductible. It's always a bad idea even if you are in a car. Road rage incidents have no winners, only losers. Plus, you never know what the enraged person is going through. They may have been fired, left by their spouse, etc. People get really nasty behind the wheel because it's easy to dehumanize others.
-If someone is driving a Buick, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Lincoln, etc. you can almost be certain they are old. Give them a wide berth.
-If you can, ride alongside a bus. They will shield you from any danger and bus drivers generally are very conscientious drivers since they are responsible for the safety of so many people..
-If you see tinted windows, assume there is someone in the vehicle who will open the door right in your face.
Then again, every once in a while, I like to skitch a ride from cars (when at a stop, hold on to a car's door handle and let them accelerate you to 30mph or so). Never do that :) I'm an adrenaline addict.
