Hasn't enough been said in the 20 pages of comments in the other thread? As for any conspiracy theory (sinister agenda) that you believe you can illuminate in your essay (most people write letters to organizations), how's this...

Reed Bates believes in his heart of hearts that "cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles".

Perhaps he is an extremist, however that is his belief. You disagree. We get it.

However, being a full-blown-Forester-Vehicular-Cyclist means that he believes his actions are the safest for all road users (motorists and himself alike). Which means it is NOT reckless, because he did not ride that way with any willful or wanton disregard for others. He simply has no fear of what's coming up from behind him, and focuses his attention on the road in front.