> Even 10 years ago, drivers would scream insults out the window, throw things at me from moving cars, and then there's the genuinely life-threatening harassment.
This is terrifying. I think removing idiot drivers from the road will do a lot more for bike safety than any helmet ever can.
In my town, they started putting in unprotected bike lanes and sharrows, and it has made a very major difference in driver behavior. This happens to me only about once a year now, instead of once every week or two.
The behavior of road users is the most important element in safety, by far.
Even 10 years ago, drivers would scream insults out the window, throw things at me from moving cars, and then there's the genuinely life-threatening harassment. Just for daring to be on the road at all, instead of the sidewalk. This has changed radically in the last decade, in my experience.
On most roads at less than 30 mph, cycling at 10-15 mph is fine.