I keep asking myself whether motorists have grown increasingly hostile and/or distracted or whether I am just getting more timid as I age. It may be both, but I strongly suspect the former. Motorists are more isolated ever from the task of driving, and the touchscreen controls, cell phones, navigation aids, etc. are making matters much worse. Also, as occupant protection increases, there may be some risk compensation, with motorists receiving a false sense of security from that 5-star crash rating and those 8 airbags. All I know is that I ride far less than I would otherwise wish. I do a lot of fast walking, and I lift weights three times/week at the local YMCA, but I know I need more cardio, at least compared with the amount I got when I was cycling 2000+ miles/year.
Drivers are getting worse all the time, and they are getting away with mayhem. Some cyclists aren't any better.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069