Here is a typical comment from my father-in-law: You people (meaning cyclists) are crazy for riding on the street. The street is for cars.
My father-in-law's feelings are typical of many drivers.
They don't know the law concerning bicycles and cyclist's rights to ride on the road.
Many motorists
ARE afraid of cyclists. They don't know how to pass or feel they can't safely pass a cyclist. That is why they will follow you for blocks and then shoot past you like a rocket when they get a chance.
Around here it seems that most of these motorists are either "old" (retired) or mothers in minivans.
I've long been an advocate of including bicycling rules of the road in the standard driving test for motorists. They need to be educated.
Along with all of the health benefits bicycling offers, a bicycle is a practical and functional means of transportation.
Bicycles are not toys!!