Insurance company Budget Direct has done some research on attitudes towards bicycles and by bicyclists. It makes interesting reading (I’ve edited it a little), and in many cases you can substitute “motorcycle” for “bicycle”...

“There is no doubt that Cadel Evans winning the Tour De France will increase the number of cyclists on our roads.  The following results prove that better education needs to start now!
“Disturbing results prove an ‘at your own risk’ mentality exists in the motoring community as 44% of drivers believe that while cyclists have a right to use our roads, their safety is their own responsibility, ignoring that all road users have a responsibility for each others’ safety. “Furthermore, only 19% admit that motorists need to change their views about cyclists on our roads says car insurance provider Budget Direct.
“On the contrary, 32% of cyclists say that motorists need to change their views in regards to safety and learn to be patient, while 26% state that governments promote cycling because it eases traffic congestion, so all road users need to be aware of road safety.   
“Spokesperson for Budget Direct Richelle Ward said the alarming results uncover a negative driver mentality that needs to be addressed now or we risk unnecessary accidents.
“Unnecessary swerving, abuse, and lack of consideration due to driving too close, or disregarding road rules are immature and dangerous behaviours conducted by both motorists and cyclists. Both need to show more respect and stop putting lives in danger,” Ms Ward said.
“The results also found that, 59% of motorists felt that a lack of allowance for bikes on our roads is the most difficult issue facing cyclists, a further 34% say that motorists’ own awareness in regards to cyclist’s safety - including not keeping a safe distance and not being aware of bike-related road rules -  is what makes cyclists vulnerable.
“Cyclists, on the other hand, agree lack of allowance for bikes is a problem (39%), although a whopping 51% are concerned about motorists’ awareness in relation to cyclists, predominantly due to a need for motorists to keep a safe distance (35%), and motorists’ poor understanding of road rules making sharing the road difficult for cyclists (16%).”    
All interesting stuff, I’m sure you’ll agree. But isn’t it funny that nobody ever made this kind of fuss when an Australian won a motorcycle world championship...
Peter “The Bear” Thoeming