I have yet to experience such a civil exchange regarding my cycling rights. But then, over the last 6 years, there have been precious few infringements, either!
Thinking back, it was with some relish that I recall a newspaper article that seemed to get that ball rolling; gas prices were just BEGINNING to rise, and people were already riding bikes, scooters, buses, all to save gas money. The article printed out the city's AND the state's laws about riding in the streets, and it was almost immediately that I saw a change in the habits of drivers. Our pro-cycling mayor has built well ON that, too.
Literally, the number of BUZZES, honks, and shouts from drivers have reduced to 1/50 of what they were. And this is from a rider who rides 300+ days a year, regardless of the weather.