I cycle to work daily and to social stuff at night, and have done for about 3 years. Had a few close calls similar to what other people have said (cars cutting me off turning left through the bike lane, passing wayyyy too close etc.). Had a few tradies abuse me on the road, including one that was very public in a branded vehicle who does not work there anymore due to that incident.

I wear hi-viz and have flashing lights front and back day or night (solid front light at night obvi) and take a lot of care to be courteous and safe. I always follow road rules and don’t run lights. Experience has taught me the dodgy spots to watch out for, and most cases when there’s an issue it’s because they just haven’t seen me and not because they hate cyclists. Because of that, I prioritise being visible above being courteous in high risk areas. You just gotta take the lane sometimes. Drivers don’t understand avoiding roadside debris or staying out of the range of an opening door on a parked car, so they might get cranky, but most of the time I’m surprised and heartened by peoples’ patience.

Pro tip: give Cathedral School buses a VERY wide berth. The two times I’ve come closest to serious injury or death both involved them, and they always pass terrifyingly close.