Reply #126: Yeah, I live in MN. The Twin Cities to be exact.

[Spike from MN]

In my experience, the vast majority of drivers here are fantastic around cyclists, maybe because there are so many people here that ride bike. I think they also see the panniers on my bike and know I'm a commuter just going to and from work, just like they are, and maybe some of them cut me some slack because of that. IOW, they give me credit for being on my bike, not polluting, and getting healthy at the same time. They also see me obeying the traffic laws (stopping at the stop signs and red lights) and I think that helps my cause too. Also, given how many people ride around here, a lot of the people driving are probably also cyclists so they know how to behave around them.

That said, once in awhile there will be the jerk that actually tries to hit you on purpose but that's very rare, like maybe .1%. Then there are the "distracted drivers" that are too busy talking on their cell phones to pay attention to where they're going. As a cyclist, I ride defensively. I assume that drivers don't see me and I'm also always on the lookout for a "way out" in case a driver makes a boneheaded move. Luckily that doesn't happen very often.

Sorry to hear that drivers in your area are such jerks. Sounds like driving is a real nightmare there, much less biking. Hey, if you ever think about moving, I hear MN is pretty nice. ;)