I think this begs the simple question - If the cyclist has the same rights then what does the author of the letter think the cyclist should do? They did not say, one can only assume that the cyclist should:
1) Vaporize
2) Levitate
3) Go the speed limit
4) Ditch
I am so lucky to live in a state where the rural roads for the most part have good shoulders and where most drivers are bicycle friendly.
Just as an example - this weekend when on a club ride, every 4 way stop we came to, if there was a car already stopped as we approached he waved his right to go first and allowed all the peleton through the intersection rather than make us stop. Likewise, on several occasions when we needed to make a left turn, the on-coming car slowed or stopped and allowed the peleton to cross traffic. This is not abnormal behavior here, and I have gotten so use to it I have to remind myself to verify with the drivers that they are indeed giving me right of way rather than assuming they will as they most always do.