According to this site [1], biking accounts for 1% of trips, but 2% of traffic fatalities.
UK figures show that it takes at least 8000 years of
average cycling to produce one clinically severe head
injury and 22,000 years for one death.
You might argue that cycling is safe. You can't argue that it is safer. It simply isn't.
Tell that to Michael Hastings, I'm sure he'll be thrilled to hear the news.
Fewer than 2000 people die in plane crashes every year, despite the millions who fly. So I suppose we shouldn't make them follow any rules or safety procedures either, I mean it isn't as if those rules have prevented any deaths. Right?
Why should I have to respect you more than a car
You should respect me because I am exposed, riding a machine with few to no safety devices. It's the same reason I drive particularly carefully around motorcyclists. I do respect them more, so to speak, because they are at far greater risk on the road than car drivers. I want to see that they reach their destination safely, and I know the odds are stacked against them by distracted or arrogant drivers.