My first time being hit by a car was a hit and run, the other three times were from inattentive drivers. Also, I've had countless near-misses, both by inattentive drivers and some I believe were deliberate.

Every time this happens it strengthens my resolve to exercise my right to the road as a cyclist. I'm not militant by it, in that I don't take the lane and some may even call me a gutter bunny, but I will take the lane when needed and always take the lane when coming up to a stop sign/light, but after the speeds build up I move back to the right.

Cycling on roadways gives one a very good insight into what it is to be a minority. We are an extreme minority group.