"The only good cyclists are dead ones" - Richard Nye

Who gives a fuck? Just another ignorant wanker either making a daft point or unaware of his moronic bravado.

What is the actual problem here, is it that we think that these people perpetuate intolerance of cyclists and ultimately make us more vulnerable on the roads? That is a legitimate point, but sometimes it just seems like a load of smug do-gooders having a whinge and getting all precious about their hobby.

Yes, it is a legitimate point and you answered your own question straight away. There's nothing 'smug' about calling out this kind of garbage. 'Do-gooders' is an almost meaningless term but your facility with it might get you an internship at one of the less reputable newspapers, even, eventually, your own column. And cycling is not a 'hobby' for most people, even on here, it is primarily simply a means of transport.

The mindset, presumably, being that it's ok if cyclists are killed? Do you really think he means that, honestly? I think we as group can be a tad reactionary sometimes. I also think that jumping on every last titbit of bad feeling dilutes those occasions where it's a direct threat, for example the Addison Lee saga.

'Reactionary' does not mean 'given to reacting' or 'over-reacting'.
The vigorous reactions in this case seem to have been pretty effective at getting businesses to pull their ads - no doubt the real reason he has backtracked. But either way you won't be reading this sort of ill-informed and casual nonsense about cyclists in that magazine any more. And no doubt other nonentities with their own columns in local magazines will hear about this story and be more circumspect themselves if they ever have the urge to play Billy Big Balls.