Maybe it's just the Australian way. Since I was 14 I used to ride through major cities in England (Bristol and Birmingham) on my pushbike with no trouble. No bike lanes back then, or helmets, just mutual respect from all road users. Never felt in any danger. France is better yet - motorists go out of their way to be polite to cyclists - they'll always toot a warning when they overtake you on a main road. Try that here and it would be regarded as aggressive!
