Bikes and cars need to learn to love eachother!

As an American, I moved to Canada with starry eyes. Vancouver has indeed turned me into an American that wishes she was a Canadian. I have been living in this lovely city for 7 years. During this time I have been an avid biker and used to commute regularly around the city. As a responsible biker I always stay on the bike paths and was very excited about the expansion of these bike roads. I always wear my helmet (and encourage others to do so) and take all precautions necessary to ensure a safe and fun ride. However, despite the city and mayor Robertson's enthusiasm for biking I have witnesses and experienced a rise in car related bike accidents in Vancouver. In particular, on June, 14, 2010 I was hit by a car that ran a red light at 10th and Clark. That intersection is a bike friendly intersection but I have had several friends get hit by cars in that same place both before and after my accident. My friend told me yesterday that he was involved in a hit and run on his bike in that exact intersection and although he was alright, that was the last straw for me and that is why I write to you.
One might easily state that there are more car related bike accidents because more people are riding bikes. That observation, however, does not provide any solution, it only states the problem; a problem that I hope does not change (I love to ride my bicycle). I believe there is an unspoken hatred between bikers and cars. I heard many of my car and bike friends complain about the other and still no solutions seem to come to fruition. In light of the fact that I am too self-conscious to ride my bike in fear of getting hit by a car, I would like you and all of Vancouver to hear my proposal.
Bikes and cars can get along and if there was an educational program and advertising campaign put in place it would allow for both types of commuters to get along. ICBC should definitely jump in on this campaign as well. I'm sure they would much rather engage in an innovative and educational program that teaches cars how to drive with bikes in the picture. There is no doubt that with all Vancouver is doing to promote biking, something needs to be done to show car drivers how to deal with bicycles on the road. Responsible driving programs do not address bikers in depth and I think this is deterimental if not highly dangerous to everyone. With a little time and effort a responsible car/bike driving program should be put into effect. It could potentially save the lives of many bikers, ease the stress of vehicle driving citizens and save ICBC a lot of time and energy from not having to process bike related injury claims.
In the 21st century Vancouverites are getting creative by trying to eliminate cars from their lives. We should applaud them but while we do this we should not scold car drivers. Car drivers are alright with me and bikers should love them too. Nevertheless, there needs to be bike awareness educational resources for vehicle drivers so that we can all live harmoniously together.