Dutch cyclist's conclusion is inescapably accurate: America doesn't take bicycles seriously

[Gormy Cuss]

26. Bicycing is regulated already too. Cyclists have to follow the same laws as motor vehicle drivers

with a few exceptions like cyclists are allowed to signal right turns using their right arms and in a few places are allowed to roll stop at some STOP signs.
It makes little sense that bicycles are held to the same laws as the heavier, bigger, and faster motor vehicles around them but it is the law.

I can guarantee that in my very bicycle friendly area that if a cyclist hit a pedestrian while riding on the sidewalk the cyclist would be cited -- hell, even if the cyclist was on the street and hit a pedestrian there'd be hell to pay.

As for your assertion that "many of their number are destructive scofflaws," bullshit. On a per capita basis there are far many "destructive scofflaws" behind the wheel of motor vehicles than there are dangerous cyclists.