It seems to me that we on our bicycles are threatening to the car-bound. We don't seem to need the cars/trucks that in very important ways define them. Talk about an existential threat! No wonder they react with anger. They are to be pitied.

There is also the sub set of people who are surprised by bicycles on the road. They fear that they will hit/hurt us, and react in anger. Hey, I get mad when I'm scared, too. I understand. Education, and more bikes on the road will fix that problem - but don't ask me how the education miracle will happen.

I have no answers to the hosilities we face, other than hoping that the tincture of time will help.

In the spirit of full disclosure, Lincoln, NE is a good place to ride. A vast majority of drivers are considerate, friendly even. Most of comments I've had are of the "cool bike" variety - though there was one drunk downtown who opined very loudly that our recumbents were "lazy bikes" as I was giving it all I had trying to keep up with traffic. I consider myself lucky to have landed here.