Danish drivers are incredibly disciplined when it comes to cyclists. Probably because so many of them are cyclists, at some time, when they aren’t driving.

Cyclists, themselves, are often poorly disciplined when it comes to jumping red lights and indicating. Particularly the young who listen to music while riding. A very poor combination for attention and safety.

Denmark must still be the best country in the world in which to to cycle. Thanks to the relatively light traffic, totally respected cycle lanes and the care and respect shown to cyclists by the vast majority of drivers.

I rode (and drove) in Britain for decades. I rarely returned home without being angry from being cut up by mad or careless drivers. It’s a state of mind for most drivers. They don’t cycle so they don’t see both sides.

I found this article of interest:
http://bicycledutch.wordpress.com/2012/05/28/lycra-on-the-streets-of-the-netherlands/
It explains how the Dutch make a distinction between “cyclists” and “wheel-runners” in the same way that we might distinguish between someone walking to the shops and a jogger in full running gear. I think that our infrastructure often forces all cyclists to be a bit of a wheel-runner though. Hence the road bikes and the prevalence of lycra (even for commuting) and the heated helmet debate. And the overwhelming majority of cyclists being fit healthy blokes of a certain age.

So can the success of our “wheel runners” encourage the popularity of everyday cycling? I’d like to believe it it can, but it’s a complicated issue. And as you say, the key has to be the safer roads.