> I'm suspicious of cars because I have literally gotten hit by them while cycling

This is entirely the fault of bike culture in the US. Outside of inner city/25mph limit roads a bicycle has no place being on a normal road. 55mph+ 3 ton metal machines and tiny bikes with no bumpers or crumple zones don’t mix.

It’s perfectly legal to do, and technically the person hitting you is in the wrong, but all your friends will think you’re stupid for risking your life in this way even if they don’t say it.