As a kid and up to the age of 17 I used to cycle everywhere, but this was the 1960s when traffic density was far, far lower.
Last year I re-visited the places in which I grew up... there is no way I'd cycle there now. Traffic volume is such that at best a cyclist is an obstruction that frustrates motor vehicle users and at worst is an accident waiting to happen.
I'm sorry, my feelings are that it has got to the point where cyclists shouldn't be allowed on most roads unless there is a proper, purpose designed, cycle track. The attempts in London to segregate bikes from cars and busses don't seem to have achieved anything.
