What is the speed limit on these roads? Just curious.

Where I ride it varies from 20 to 40 mph. But most people are aware. I have had some really scary moments where it appeared to me someone didn't see me or they were being a butthead and getting too close.

When I was reading your post, the only thing I can say is they need an attitude change, and you should know being in the south, you get more bees with honey than you do with vinegar.

So with that said, why not wear a sign on your back that says "Lower Demand on Gas=Lower Prices" or something like that. If you find some commonality with people, which everyone complains about gas, then you have a better chance of getting them to empathize with you and hey, they might even want to give riding to work. You just never know...But then you might get an argument on the whole gas thing (ha! just what you need right?). Don't give up tho. There is always a SAFE solution.