Why Are Cyclists So Hated...

This is true of most blokes. Life for most blokes is a cock swinging exercise.

It is always,

[]Who has the biggest car
[]Who has the biggest tele
[]Who has shagged the most birds
[]who has the most leather on their saddle

By the rest of your post it seems you have learn't to swing it more intelligently, by not only making the right choice, but also not giving a shit about the other twats ... this pisses them off a great deal.

fixed.