I've recently converted to cycling and I have to say after ten years competing in eventing (a horse sport that requires a very fit horse, hence we had to do a lot of road work to strengthen their legs) that although i've never seen a car target a cyclist I have often been the target for a "bit of fun' from hoons on the roads when riding the horses including once being hit by a motobike on a deserted road ( that was boarded by fences so I couldn't get out the way when I relised the motobike wasnt going to give me any room or time to get out the way-an open feild was about 50meters further down the road), so by and large most drivers seem pretty goodto me as a cyclist. And I make sure I thank those drivers who are decent. Oh yeah the horse's hind leg was ripped off .....