So there have been 3 cyclist deaths in your area in 15 years? And how many deaths from car accidents have there been? Showing some stats may help.

In Memphis (and I guess across Tennessee) there are these electronic signs over the freeways that warn of construction delays up ahead. If there are none they say something like "TN automotive deaths: 5xx. Please don't be next" or something like that. The number is nearing 600 for this year. It goes up nearly 100 per month. It's actually pretty depressing going by those signs once a week and the number is always higher than the previous week. But that just shows how much more risk is involved while driving a car vs. riding a bike.