Really? Go check the laws pertaining to cyclists in your state. John Forester will tell you that many states did not have laws pertaining to cyclists before he worked out the laws in CA. I know that the laws pertaining to cyclists in CA were put in place in the early '70s. Prior to that, just what were the "rights" of cyclists on the roadways of America?

Only some 10 or so years ago the drivers education handbook for CA first started to include information pertaining to cyclists. Only in the past 3-5 years has there been any bicycle related item on the drivers written test.

While bicycles have existed in the US since the 1890s or so, what really was their legal status on the roadways?

And of course you may also be right with respect to what drivers "hear" when they learn the laws when they are learning to drive... that seems to be a continuing issue.