The same with anything. People who don't conform are targets. Seeing how cycling is perceived as a recreational activity and not real transport and that bikes are seen as toys and NOT vehicles they are obviously been ridden by people too poor to own a car (which after all is the mark of citizenship in North America) so who cares? or operated by fancy pants know it alls wearing spandex. In either case these people are seen as selfish in obstructing those who are busy doing something real with their lives. So the only way we will make ourselves popular with drivers is to stop riding our bikes (except in our own driveways), shut up and conform.