Originally Posted by sbhikes
I think you guys have a harder time of it because you are men.
Honestly, I do not experience a "get out of the way" mentality very much at all. However, on the same exact route my boyfriend does.
There have been a couple of times when I've been mistaken for a man (such as while riding a motorcycle with a big jacket and helmet) and the invective and rage I've had to experience is astonishing. I do not experience this normally to any degree. If anything, motorists are more often protective of me, offering to block the path of others for me, allowing me to go at stop signs when it's not technically my turn, making a huge path around me and rarely ever close-passing or buzzing me.
I think it's a male thing.
So before you ascribe some global, sweeping theory like "the Notion", please stop and decide if there is a gender bias in there somewhere. I suspect that there is. Possibly a homophobic one as well.
I wouldn't discard your experience, but I have to say it gives me pause (especially the "homophobic" comment, assuming far too much.)
Fortunately, most victims of the "bicycles don't belong on the road with cars" mentality are quite friendly and passive. They express their concern for my welfare in earnest kindness. Almost all drivers treat me well.
Some of the most blatantly aggressive drivers who honked at me, shouted at me, swore at me and even threatened me with their vehicle have been female (and even with kids in the car.) But I don't claim all women have problems, since I've gotten the same thing from men.