All road users are responsible for their own behavior and for sharing the road safely. All road users deserve courtesy and respect from other road users. Bicycling with traffic is dangerous and stupid. If all road users, motorists and bicyclists alike, share the road safely and obey traffic laws, the danger is much decreased. If roads are properly designed for all modes, everyone will be safer.
Bicyclists have to be elite, young athletes with unobtanium frames and expensive accessories.
Most cyclists are just plain folks who ride for pleasure, for fitness, for socializing and for transportation. Much of what people have learned about bicycling from their parents, police and schools is both wrong and dangerous. Safe bike riding practices have to be taught, transportation in general is more complicated than it used to be. When the lane is too narrow, motorists should wait until the next lane is clear and accord a bicyclist all the rights of any other slow-moving vehicle. The safest way for everyone is to slow and let other cars pass, merge left to pass the bicycle leaving at least three feet between the car and the bicycle.