I agree with some of your points James
, but not others.
I don't like the term "do cyclists annoy you" because not everyone is like that
Our government is constantly telling us to use other modes of transport. If they make those more expensive (tax) they aren't going to get used. With regards to insurance, that's a bit of a grey area I think. Here's why.
Insurance, if it is optional, is great. I've looked into it and for cyclists, it is VERY cheap. However the very issue I have with compulsory insurance is the same with car insurance - for me, I'm 20 years old, living in a not so affluent area of town, so it's not going to be cheap to start off with. I am absolutely convinced that half the reasons prices are high for younger people is because they are keen to get out on the roads, and so the companies charge these extortionate fees because its legally required to have insurance, and because people are keen to drive, these companies can get away with charging almost anything they want. If cycle insurance was required by law, a simliar thing would happen (obviously not to the same degree, it wouldn't be anywhere near as expensie, but I'm sure you see my point).
These cyclists that you describe are very much in the minority. I cycle to and from work, and Leeds isn't the most cycle friendly city. That said, most drivers do give respect to cyclists here so that's not really a problem, and I must say that most of the cyclists I see are sticking to the rules too.
Unfortunately, the minority's actions mean we all get painted with the same brush .