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Having just spent a few days in Berlin I agree - I was amazed and delighted at the attitude of drivers towards cyclists. Of course there are bound to be some bad apples as you say, but the general attitude was exemplary. I think it's no doubt helped by the massive amounts of space on Berlin streets - most of the main roads are at least 2 or 3 lanes in each direction for vehicles, plus a bike lane, plus the pavement, so there doesn't seem to be that same jostling for space amongst different road users that there is in London.
BobbyBriggs
@Murphy's_Law
So generally I like our German cycle infrastructure. Most bigger roads have a nice segregated bike path, with proper smooth tarmac, 1,5m wide.
The downside of this is, that the mantra "don't undertake vehicles indicating to turn in your direction" doesn't apply here, because that's the only way to cross the road on the bikepath. German drivers are schooled to give way to cyclists and pedestrians crossing the road and are schooled to check their blind spots.
Sure as hell, that doesn't always work. I had 2 collisions in the last 2 years coming from exactly that scenario, and lots of near misses, because drivers were to daft to turn their head. I always approach intersections with caution and a finger on the brake, which has saved me numerous times.
Of course, today was such a day again, when a big ass construction lorry went right into a side street, ignoring my existence on the bikepath.
These are the times where I wish I could carry a paint ball gun in a quick draw holster in traffic...