DDF,
My point is that drivers (at least in my area) don't pay attention to the bike lanes, it is almost as if they don't view it as a portion of the road therefore they are not concerned with what or whom is there. As long as I am in the street (ie not a bike lane or sidewalk) at least they see me. My presence may anger drivers, but most of them do not actively want to kill me, they just honk, yell, or go around, rigardless they know I'm there.
As drivers we are tought to pay attention to what is in our path of travel. This does not include things like bike lanes, sidewalks, or MUPs that travel alongside our streets. One of the most deadly places for a cyclist or runner is where a MUP crosses a street.
Bike lanes make a city appear cyclist friendly, but in my opinion create a danger zone where cyclists feel secure and drivers become blind.