I think for the most part it's not that they are thinking consciously and passing judgements ("oh, that is a recreational rider... doesn't *need* to be on the road... why should I give her more room") though it is possible. I agree with whoever posted way back wherever that it's more the visibility that actually penetrates the "automatic pilot" before it's an "where di d *that* come from?!" moment. I can say that drivers *should* treat me better regardless, and I could be "proud" and not change what I"m wearing... but in this case if pride goeth before a fall it's one that I don't want to make.

I am pretty sure people have thought I was a fragile type special human a couple of times (that driver that said, so kindly, "it's okay, I was watching you...") ... and I figure that if we all thought we were fragile creatures needing our special care... that would not be a bad thing.