[ben-schaaf]

You're describing the status quo since streets were handed over to cars and prioritized over everything else. Bicycle gutters were always something inattentive or malicious drivers cruise into.

That's not to say those yank tanks aren't crazy dangerous; they absolutely are. But getting rid of them doesn't make bicycling safe. Cars as a whole are the hazard.

[tcmart14]

Yea. The force generated by a 3,000 LB Toyota Prius is just as deadly as a 5,000 to 7,000 LB Ford F350. At 35 MPH, that is still quiet a few Newtons. According to a handy internet calculator, the Prius has an impact force of over 4 million Newtons or feels like being pressed by almost 1,000,000 pounds. The biggest problem with the Ford F350 is probably the sitting high and less visibility coupled with a false sense of safety some may have that causes them to drive more recklessly. Sort of like at 18 you think nothing can kill you so you do crazy shit.