Have you ever noticed how few Europeans contribute to these cyclist/motorist threads?
I swear, this is simply not a topic of discussion here. Neither in my Velo Club, nor with my riding buddies at work.
I live smack dab in central Europe, surrounded by the world's greatest cycling nations. The relationship between the car and the bicycle has reached a level maturity here that we North Americans cannot fathom. In 4 years of almost daily riding, I have not had one incident with either a car or a dog.
Went home to Ottawa two years ago for a visit. I had an encounter of some kind EVERY TIME I WENT FOR A RIDE! Couldn't wait to get back to Switzerland.
Conclusion: it's not a bike/car issue. It's cultural!