That definitely explains why some drivers may feel angry/frustrated but note that it's not an excuse. Legally and morally speaking bikes have equal rights to th

That definitely explains why some drivers may feel angry/frustrated but note that it's not an excuse. Legally and morally speaking bikes have equal rights to the roads. If those drivers drive around smaller/slower cars do they get equally frustrated/angry? Even if they do, what gives them the right too get angry at other participants in traffic that are legally using the road? As to why in the US a lot more bike commuters are also into recreational biking, it's because of a feedback loop created in combination with bad bike supporting infrastructure and urban planning: the current situation means that in many places commuters have to share the road with cars, which means that only those that really like bike riding and/or are comfortable with a high level of stress/risk do it which, as it happens, it overlaps largely with the traits of those that enjoy recreational biking. With a lot of these riders on the road drivers get a sense of "these bikers are enjoying themselves and annoying me at the same time so they don't deserve respect" which further reinforces the current situation.