Oh, geez, "if they meant it as a joke"??? Hel-LO, if someone could have been severely hurt or killed I don't think it matters how it was MEANT! What would they say if you ran into someone's car as a "joke"? Gosh, I wonder. Freaking lazy police.

It's totally about power. Doesn't matter one bit what you look like.

I'm shouting a lot in this thread. This pisses me right off.

About the book--the U.S. Amazon has it ( link), and it's not the deepest read but it is inspiring. I could copy the story for you if you like, and email/PM it to you--it's pretty short. Or a feminist/women's bookstore might be able to order the book for you.

No wonder you're shaken. Anyone would be. Take a little time to let it wear off, if that's what you need. Maybe write a letter to the editor about sharing the road. Investigate alternate routes if this one is consistently unsafe. But don't stop riding. I'm pulling for you.