When motorists encounter a cyclist, they don’t always know how to react. Some think that bikes belong on the sidewalk, not on the road. Others simply don’t know how to pass a cyclist correctly. By riding, you present them with an opportunity to learn. While this may be slightly hazardous for you, it means they’ll be better equipped to deal with the next cyclist. Research supports this theory: one study conducted in Sweden concluded that tripling the number of cyclists on a road halves the risk of a serious accident with a vehicle for each cyclist. Greater familiarity with cyclists is thought to be the cause. More cyclists on the road actually makes each cyclist is safer!
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/emeraldcity/2008/05/riding-is-the-m.html
