If it's any consolation, at least you live in an area that is somewhat bike friendly with a good percentage of the population who are fully aware of the problems you mentioned and are willing to work to do something about it. I live near Dallas, where 99.9% of the population feels it's their god given right to drive the biggest piece of metal they can buy, stick their NASCAR number on it, and then live out their Dale Earnhardt fantasies on the public roadways. I rode 30 miles RT to work and back today. I saw exactly 1 other bike rider and he was just going out for his evening ride as I was rolling in.