I learned how to ride a bike when I was 6. I rode on dirt paths and small city streets back then. Now I dont do as many wheelies. And I can't buy a good "Cheater Slick" rear tire. Also gave up the grip tassles and sissy bars. I lived far away from Southen California.

Now I take up the whole lane and speed more often than I did as a kid. I am more inclinded to procceed through a light after looking, rather than waiting for the light to turn green. I still ride the sidewalks somethimes, but probably am more aware of the dangers of that.

Just because the dominant ethos concerning cycling is wrong, does not mean that adopting VC is the best way to change the dominant perspective. For example how much of the moterist attitude that "those cyclists belong off of the street", is due to the fact that motorists are allways late getting to work or to pick up the kids? How much is due to the fact that the roads are too congested for cars to even be used to the fullest capacity of the horse power that they contain? How many questions are asked about cycling on drivers tests? No doubt that as more drivers hit the roads, motorists' frustration will continue to grow. But so will the understanding that bikes do belong on the street for precisely that reason.

Having said that I would support both VC and seperated facilities when appropriate. However I would rather not have some seperated facilities, if it made it against the law to also use the street.