Riding abroad - dealing with maniacs!

I even heard that the law for cyclists is not particularly clear anyway.

I live in Norway and the cycling law here is vague to say the least. Most foot paths have these signs encouraging their use by both peds and cyclists alike. Something I've never agreed with. So keep to the road.

Also, as there is not always a footpath available it is far more accepted that peds use the side of the road occasionally.

These factors lead to drivers treating you as a slightly faster moving ped. This usually means cars stop for me, when they in fact have the right of way. Which puts me in a uncomfortable but not dangerous position. Its has lead to dangerous mix ups though. The usual being overtaken on round-a-bouts, by drivers taking the first exit, when I am heading for a later exit. I think they assume as a 'wheeled ped', that I am about to stop before 'crossing' the exit.

The only answer is to be more assertive in your bike positioning. To remove any doubt that you are in fact a road using vehicle.

Drivers are generally far less aggressive here, then I was used to in the UK. So this works fine for me. I guess most aggression is a result of not knowing how to deal with a cyclist on the road. Assertive positioning should help give motorists an idea of how to deal with the situation, without too much irritating confusion.

Is there a point when road conditions are bad enough to stop riding?

I would like to believe, no.