Blood on the streets

You're right Oliver - there's been some really biased, vitriolic press lately - though mainly the columnists from what I've read.

It's a tough one to get right - too much media coverage of the dangers will scare people and prevent uptake, whereas too little doesn't help raise awareness and makes it seem no one takes the matter of safety seriously.

It's all completely misguided crap and in some cases outright lies.
STOP confusing the annoying with the potentially lethal.
Dark clothes, RLJing, no looking back/communicating rarely leads to death.
Texting behind the wheel, failing to signal, close passes, belligerently following cycle lanes does kill.

I see your point, it should definitely be a different experience to the same cycle training you give to people who go willingly, with more emphasis on the dangers and consequences of bad actions. I was thinking something similar to speed awareness courses (not that I know what they're like but they seem to have an impact).

But even enforced, grumpily-received education is going to have more positive long term effects than a rap on the knuckles or a fine.

Best punishment for cyclists is to put them face to face with haulage drivers and face their complaints and raw anger. You'd need more front than the Wigan Pier to not feel anything afterwards.