Of course you haven't Barbara. Like the majority of motorists, you look right through cyclists UNLESS they do something which you disapprove. I do not deny for one moment that there are many asshole bike riders out there. But trust me, there are even more asshole motorists -- and cars kill!
If I have an attitude, I am entitled. I face possible injury or death every day on the roads. This attitude developed back when I was a motorist, because every time I got in my car, I encountered some idiot eating, applying makeup, talking on the cell phone, changing CDs, or whatever. Motorists kept me from bicycling until I turned 32 because of all the horror stories I'd heard from friends.
Well now, I take it personally. I have to anticipate what every motorist near me may do and be prepared for them to do it with no regard for me (or anyone else).
I have often even made eye contact with a motorist who STILL makes a left turn in front of me, cuts me off making a right turn, changes lanes directly into me, or throws their door open when parked.
Just for the record, I stop at all red lights, and only cruise through a four-way stop in quiet neighborhoods when I can see there is no traffic around.
It is precisely that arrogant "I have a car, I own the roads" attitude that created the mess we're in today.
Marcello Aurelio Lanfranchi