You might also check the brake pad for warping. Or check the rim for being bent by hitting a curb, in a wreck, etc. Tires are always simplest though. If none of those, you gotta get into the bearing guts and hopefully that ain't it. Heck, the front wheel might not be gapped right and...
In the words of my recent boss, you can be dumb, or you can be stupid. But don't be dumb and stupid at the same time.
Regarding traffic, simply assume you're not seen. I honk, wave, slow down at all intersections and entrances onto lanes. I assume no one else cares whether I live or die...