As I understand it, the safety scores for a particular car are relative to that type of car, e.g., compact, mid sized, etc.

So I expect a tiny little subcompact hatchback to be less safe than the average car overall. Yet it's what I drive.

Also, based on what I've read about statistics, I expect driving a car to be less safe than riding a bus, yet I drive a car.

Still, I suspect you're right that a lot of people are afraid to ride a bike. When folks see me pushing my bike out of my workplace, they get a look on their face like I'm about to go skydiving without a parachute, and say: "Pleeeaase be careful out there."