When I first started cycling as an adult, I had no idea how to cycle properly. Fortunately, fear led me to Google which lead me to resources that helped me teach myself how to cycle safely.
Most people, unfortunately, only have the fear, and they give up before the Google search. A bit of education in elementary school about safe cycling could do a lot for the obesity epidemic and that whole global warming thing!
What I liked best about my local town was that the cycling zones were put onto the sidewalk, so as long as you was in the cycle lane you didn't have to yield to pass pedestrians, but you weren't at risk from drivers on the unmarked roads. I don't think I ever heard of a cyclist being hit on the street, one of my friends was hit but that was because someone backed out of a hedged-drive way at a bad time and broke his leg. IIRC the driver got a caution and the council fined him and ordered his hedges be cut down as they violated height restrictions.
But I think what he meant is that drivers aren't aware of bike-related issues, aren't looking out for bikes, do stupid shit whenever they see bikes, etc. I love biking, and it's a great way to get around, but stupid drivers make it really dangerous.