Originally Posted by
Paul Barnard
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Motorists are getting pissed pretty much just because cyclists appear to be discourteous.
This is a problem of perceptions and psychology as much (or more) anything else.
In the UK especially, there's plenty of resentment about changes to the traffic codes, nor only related to bikes. So it's safe to assume some of that adds fuel to the cars v. bikes fires.
That said, I repeat my earlier statement that these issues arise from the sense of entitlement and focus on rights that's poisoning every aspect of modern (lack of) society.
Before cyclists grew in numbers and focused on rights, those few of us riding roads enjoyed a measure of detente with motorists. it wasn't quite entente but was workable, especially in the northeast where we had a long history of coping with each other.