There has been a lot of hatred for cyclists for years, and frankly, there are a number of cyclists who perpetuate it. But I believe it has been on the increase. I can't say exactly why, but I do suspect, at least to some degree, that the electric bike thing has contributed to it. Now we're seeing far more people out on bikes than 10 or 20 years ago, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. But it comes down to attitude.

ack in the spring, I was on a training ride, about 45 miles into a 60 mile ride. I was tired but I was on relatively flat ground and pushing along at a pretty good clip. Out of nowhere, this kid (young adult, early 20s) goes blowing by me on an e-bike, no helmet, no gear. Fine, whatever. But just seconds later I see a streetlight ahead of us turn yellow. I know there is no way either of us are making it through that light but dumba$$ keeps on going. Sure enough, the light turns red, he continues as cars begin to enter the intersection. One car had to slam on the brakes and he had to swerve pretty hard to prevent a collision. But he just kept on going. I'm sure the motorist now considers him just another jackass cyclist.