Lots of auto drivers don't really "see" bicyclists, even when they are plainly visible.
Unfortunately, seeing-but-not-seeing is an all too common experience. Many of you may have already seen a variation of
this exercise. Count how many times a player in white passes the ball.
Particularly with cyclists, it seems that transportation systems where vehicles and bicycles are kept on separate roadways are ultimately the most effective method to reduce collisions because of the seeing-but-not-seeing issue of motorists primarily looking out for other motorists.