To avoid getting your front wheel caught. Slow down and look behind you for traffic. Change your lane position if necessary to line up to cross the tracks at a right angle. Return to your original lane position after crossing the tracks. Pass buses on the left.
Bus drivers have blind spots to their right and rear.
Passing on the right could get you squeezed against the curb if the bus pulls over. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians who may cross the street in front of the bus. Bicycling on sidewalks is permitted. In some areas local ordinances may prohibit sidewalk riding in commercial districts. Pedestrians always have the right of way on sidewalks and in crosswalks.