What is a major reason for increased caution around cyclists?

Choosing to exercise increased caution around cyclists is primarily due to their lack of physical protection compared to motor vehicle occupants. Cyclists are much more vulnerable in the event of a collision, as they have no surrounding frame or safety features such as airbags, seat belts, or crumple zones that cars provide. This vulnerability means that even minor accidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities for cyclists.

While cyclists may sometimes break traffic rules, be slower than cars, or fail to signal their turns—issues that certainly call for caution—these factors do not encompass the main reason for heightened alertness, which is the inherent risk that cyclists face on the road. Drivers must always be wary of the fragile nature of a cyclist's situation, adjusting their driving behavior accordingly to ensure safety for all road users.