I have my own theory on this. (Digital Cowboy is thinking along the same line.)

The auto-addicted majority realize-probably mostly subconsciously-that we are handling our transportation needs in a smarter, healthier way than they are. But even if they recognize the wisdom of what we are doing, they still simply do not want to do it. So they need to rationalize their own unwillingness.

The two main forms of this rationalization are; 'anyone who wants to ride a bike instead of driving has a screw loose' (that's what they mean when the call us bike-nuts) and 'it's dangerous'.

Those who feel the need after that to actually interfere with us are those who haven't fully assuaged their guilt.

There's really not a lot we can do about it other than to ride defensively and never forget that we are the ones who are right.