More than 3 times the people die per year choking on tooth picks than in bike accidents. Would you say that toothpicks are more dangerous than bicycles? I can imagine somewhere in the world right now, all the parents who are telling their kids to, "watch that tootpick in the sandwitch or your sure to choke".

I think that it is not very helpful to emphasise the dangers of cycling. This thread reminds me of my grandmother-in-law's fears of going out because she watched too much local news. Falling meteoroids are very dangerous just not that likely to actually kill you.

There are some hazards cyclists should be aware of, then move on. Seems like the people who emphasise the dangers of cycling too much, often have books or services to sell.