It would NOT improve conditions for cycling where I live, which is the point. People on slow beater bikes mixing with cars here would cause total chaos and huge public outrage. The transportation infrastructure and community design have to be changed before the traffic reality can change. Let serious, responsible, knowledgeable commuters lead the way slowly, let others follow, and let the change build incrementally.

so bikes mixing with cars would cause total chaos and you think there's no reason to make changes that might make the mix more palatable to each?

Change doesn't often come quickly and an incremental build often is best but it has to start somewhere and if the status quo doesn't cut it, it'll have to change. People often resist change. It's not too popular at the start, but if the plan is for the best, it'll work out in spite of early opposition. Just like I'm sure was the case in those Euro towns when it first happened

Mixing the wrong kind and excessive volume of bike traffic with car traffic would cause chaos in present conditions, and changes that would eliminate that conflict are needed BEFORE we can have a more relaxed alternative transportation atmosphere. Throwing scads of casual bike riders into motorized traffic is not the way forward.

so what's wrong with eliminating conflict through various methods to encourage more people to use bikes?

Give us a place to ride that isn't in the automotive traffic lane and you can have all the helmetless tweed-wearing 3-speed moustache-bar Eurobiking you could ever want. Until then...nope.

so you don't believe it's ever possible to reduce conflict between motorists and cyclists?

Aren't there are lots of cyclists out there mingling in traffic every day with little or no conflict?