I came from a place where it was open season on cyclists - honking, yelling, throwing stuff, and worse; and where I frequently overheard non-cyclists (including my coworkers and people who knew me) making derogatory comments about cycling and cyclists. This attitude of acceptance where I live and work now is a very pleasant surprise.

For example:
A couple months ago I was cycling along on the shoulder (they've got shoulders on many of their roads here - that's a nice change from where I lived before, for a start). I noticed that the traffic coming up behind me was pulling way out around me, giving me lots of room, despite the fact that I was not in their way. I thought there must be a tractor or some sort of slow moving vehicle behind me and they were going around it. After a little while, I looked back to see what this thing was and if it was going to overtake me ... and there was nothing there. The vehicles on this road were giving ME room! I was floored! I'm so used to having vehicles fly by so close they almost brush my arm!!

But I've also noticed that drivers here can be nice to a fault. When I come to an intersection in town, I often have to completely dismount and stand beside my bicycle to show that I want the vehicle, who has the right of way, to go like it is supposed to. Otherwise, the vehicles here will stop and wave me to go when I don't have the right of way!! I'm having a bit of trouble getting used to that. I'm much more used to fighting for my rights and a tiny bit of road on which to ride.

I've also been honked at quite frequently here ... but it is different from where I was before. Before, honking was loud and long right behind me, and usually accompanied by derogatory comments, rude hand gestures, items being lobbed from the vehicle in my direction and/or threatening swerving. Now the honking occurs when the vehicle is most of the way by me, it is quiet and short, and is usually accompanied by a friendly full-fingered wave, and nothing threatening!

What a difference!!