You guys should read what was written in some of the cars forum regarding cyclist on the road. Basically there are some drivers who thinks that cyclist should be exterminated from this world. (Ha ha, ok this is stretching to the extreme, but you should get the gist that cyclist are not welcomed on the road).
I have stayed in France whereby cyclists are accorded more respect than other cars. Even on a narrow and windy road, cars will tend to wait till it is safe before overtake, rather than try to force you off the road. I had the chance to cycle frequently for a couple of years there, and it was most enjoyable. Alas here in Singapore, we have a long long way to go before we can reach that level civility.
As a cyclist, we have to practise defensive riding, no point trying to "fight" the drivers. Most of my rides are during the night, often past midnight. As usual, basic gears like helmet and gloves are a must. Second I'll make sure that I make myself very visible, sometimes to the point of being a bit kiasu, like putting extra blinkers and reflective clothing. On the road, I'll make sure that I follow traffic rules just like any other drivers. Red light, I will stop. And if there is a car that had already stopped at the traffic light junction, I will stop behind the car. Some drivers really hate it when cyclist just squeeze through and stop in front at the traffic lights.
There will always be some bad sheeps among the drivers and cyclist. Just ride defensively, and you should generally be safe. Another point I have read in a cycling book is to think like cars driver when riding and you should able to better anticipate other cars action on the road.
