One thing I'd like to add is: Take an experienced rider course. With thirty years of experience under my belt I took MSF's Experienced rider course and learned a LOT! Then about 15 years later, I took it a second time and learned even more. I think the Motorcycle Safety Foundation is the premier class for learning to ride well and learning to be observant.
Learning how to counter steer might be the second most important skill you can develope for riding a bike. And it's something you should practice so when the time arises that you need to maneuver quickly you don't have to think about it, you KNOW how to do it. Knowing how to counter steer saved Ma and my butts twice.