Thoughtful response :) Clearly, you're in the US? Because in GB, the situation doesn't even resemble what you describe. I've had near-misses with cars, but none of them deliberate, just careless, thoughtless, occasionally utterly incompetent. No verbal abuse, although on two occasions (for reasons still a mystery to me) motorists sounded their horns and made obscene gestures. I'm guessing they found me irresistibly sexy or something, and just had to let me know... Nobody has drawn up alongside me to tell me what they think of me or my bike-riding, and I strongly suspect I'd give them a smack in the mouth if they did.
Overall, most motorists I've encountered are happy to share the road, appreciate that I'm sticking to the rules and carry lights, etc, and there's no problem. While parts of the US are making immense progress with promoting cycling, it seems there are still places where there's a lot more to do. Still, whenever I do get any hassle from motorists, I just remind myself that fuel prices are rocketing and in a few years, they'll be cycling too.
Yah, the (unintentional) near misses with cars don't get my blood boiling anywhere near the intentional ones -- though they can easily be just as frightening.
I'm in SF and you actually see very striking changes in behavior and attitude by both cyclists and drivers depending on your route/location. In SF itself, I find drivers to be pretty considerate with most of the hazards caused by drivers who aren't paying attention. But 10 miles in either direction will get you out and away from the city and bring you to more remote locations (i.e. winding mountain roads, or coastal highways, etc). I encounter far more aggression as soon as there aren't other cars around -- perhaps they're smart enough to minimize the risk to themselves (little as it is) by ensuring there aren't other drivers around to witness it.
Glad to hear it's not like this everywhere, though. And I suspect things will continue to improve here.
Overall, most motorists I've encountered are happy to share the road, appreciate that I'm sticking to the rules and carry lights, etc, and there's no problem. While parts of the US are making immense progress with promoting cycling, it seems there are still places where there's a lot more to do. Still, whenever I do get any hassle from motorists, I just remind myself that fuel prices are rocketing and in a few years, they'll be cycling too.