It should be noted that the overwhelming majority of car drivers pass us without any anger or drama and I see far more friendly waves and smiles than angry honks. But the honks create a more emotional reaction and are remembered longer.

It seems to be pretty standard human nature that when we feel frustrated for whatever reason we tend to look for someone else to blame - and all the better if we can assign blame to some other group. For car drivers stuck in traffic after a bad day it's easy to cast blame on the cyclist holding them up for a few extra seconds. But it's just part of the human nature described by Tom Lehrer in his song "National Brotherhood Week":

Oh, the white folks hate the black folks,
And the black folks hate the white folks.
To hate all but the right folks
Is an old established rule.

But during National Brotherhood Week, National Brotherhood Week,
Lena Horne and Sheriff Clarke are dancing cheek to cheek.
It's fun to eulogize
The people you despise,
As long as you don't let 'em in your school.

Oh, the poor folks hate the rich folks,
And the rich folks hate the poor folks.
All of my folks hate all of your folks,
It's American as apple pie.

But during National Brotherhood Week, National Brotherhood Week,
New Yorkers love the Puerto Ricans 'cause it's very chic.
Step up and shake the hand
Of someone you can't stand.
You can tolerate him if you try.

Oh, the Protestants hate the Catholics,
And the Catholics hate the Protestants,
And the Hindus hate the Moslems,
And everybody hates the Jews.

But during National Brotherhood Week, National Brotherhood Week,
It's National Everyone-smile-at-one-another-hood Week.
Be nice to people who
Are inferior to you.
It's only for a week, so have no fear.
Be grateful that it doesn't last all year!