It sounds like some people want to put their recreational wants above the greater good. And this is precisely what a lot of motorists have a really hard time with when it comes to cyclists.

Personally, I don't think it is appropriate for cyclists to go at or above 25mph in busy city areas like those pictured in Copenhagen. On the suburban streets of the US it's fine. On congested busy streets with lots of intersections and driveways, it's reckless and not fair to the other users who a) don't want to hit you (motorists) and b) don't want to be hit by you (pedestrians).