[serenityseeker]

I have to say that I am a little surprised at the broad brush of negativism that is being applied to cyclists here. Of course there are those that don't obey all traffic laws and they are not to be excused, but how is this different from the MULTITUDE of golf carts that speed, perform rolling stops, go on the road instead of paths, are operated under the influence, or the cars that speed at least 10 mile an hour over the speed limit every single day in the villages?
I am an avid cyclist and we do have the same rights on the road as any other vehicle, and yes that includes the responsibilities too. But I can safely say that as a group, I doubt cyclists are worse offenders than the general population and the above examples. I go out of my way to watch for cyclists, motorcyclists and others that share the road with me. I admire those that are working to be healthy and conserve resources. I will not condone the attitude of those that are furious because the may have to wait an extra 15 seconds to safely go around a vehicle that has the right to be on the road. I can not tell u the number of times that people have swiped close to me(even bumping me on 2 occasions) because they were impatient and or simply ignorant enough to assume they shouldn't have to legitimately share the road.
Seems to me it's pretty much like most things in life. A little understanding goes a long way, and usually the truth about things is somewhere in the middle of the extreme perceptions. Patience, tolerance and responsibility works on both ends of most issues.