Yesterday, after sending a couple posts to this thread about mirrors, I was riding my bike home on a Saturday afternoon going into twilight, with the usual auto traffic and had this further thought. While riding a narrow, moderately busy road, I glanced at my mirror and saw no traffic behind me for a stretch of several hundred yards. I suddenly realized that I had a temporary respite from traffic and my level of bliss while cycling was transiently tweaked to a higher-level with that reassurance.

I think that likely in every cyclist’s mind while riding on the road there is that subtle, perhaps unconscious apprehension that a car can impact from behind, particularly with the newest added danger of texting. So knowing that everything is free and clear behind you allows you to enjoy the ride more.