I have never cycled in London, but I'd imagine it is similar to the US. There is no need to be excessively afraid of cabs and busses -- if those people hit you, their life is ruined. (Don't take this as an invitation to drive stupidly, though. Stay predictable.)
It's the dumbasses from the suburbs that I find to be the problem. They have never seen anyone riding a bike before, so they don't know how to act properly. If I had a nickel for every time I was almost hit from behind by someone with non-Chicago stickers... (Hint to these people: if there are 3 lanes, you don't have to drive so close to the right side that you clip the mirrors off parked cars.)
I have never cycled in London, but I'd imagine it is similar to the US. There is no need to be excessively afraid of cabs and busses -- if those people hit you, their life is ruined. (Don't take this as an invitation to drive stupidly, though. Stay predictable.)
It's the dumbasses from the suburbs that I find to be the problem. They have never seen anyone riding a bike before, so they don't know how to act properly. If I had a nickel for every time I was almost hit from behind by someone with non-Chicago stickers... (Hint to these people: if there are 3 lanes, you don't have to drive so close to the right side that you clip the mirrors off parked cars.)