Originally Posted by
KonAaron Snake
Maybe because we really do inconvenience them? We're slower traffic and no one wants to be delayed by a road user they see as silly, especially when we're usually a VERY small percentage of traffic. It's the same reason they'd get annoyed stuck behind a horse and buggy. In most areas we make up less than 1% of road users...we're a very small minority that can have a disproportionate effect on traffic - why do you expect to be universally loved?
I try to ride in a way that inconveniences others as little as possible...obviously my safety comes first, but I also try to be considerate and I try to plan a route that minimizes my effect on others.
I'd wager more cyclists spend time worrying about them than they do worrying about us.
I think stop lights delay motorists far more than the couple of seconds a cyclist might... I think a lot of the "hate" comes from simply having to deal with "the other;" something other than another car... the motorist has to actually think for a moment... that takes drivers out of their stupor.