I see myself firstly as a mtb, but I train on the roads more often than not. When I drive, I'm always on the look-out for EVERYBODY else on the roads - cyclists, motorbikers, cars, trucks, etc.
I was taught that , when driving on the roads, you always keep looking out for anything else that moves. For safety sake. I do the same when I cycle.
I'm also certain that most other people (I think almost everyone else) use the roads in the same way.
Unfortunately, if 1% of people are idiots, ALL people get classified in the same way. I agree with Holy (I think it was you?) that said it worked when we were taught as kids about road signs, safety, etc....
Fact is that discipline and respect for others are not big in our communities. Just about all problems stem from that.
That is what needs to be addressed. Back in the days, even hanging didn't stop people from killing. Why would fining cyclists stop the problem? It is not about the punishment - it all goes back to discipline (especially self-discipline) and respect for self and others.
We should raise our kids properly and set examples for others. Clubs should take more responsibility with enforcing rules. Make sure the club members are constantly made aware of what is right and wrong. Repeating rules act as constant reminders. Maybe even visual, shocking tactics, e.g. photo's of accidents. In other words - scare them into behaving
