In my experience as a pedestrian, bikes are worse than cars. Less predictable, less observant of laws, and more willing to take risks that depend on others jumping out of their way.

On the plus side, they don’t weigh 3000lbs.

It signals yet another asshole. No need for some complicated justifications! 90% of infrastructure is already dedicated to bikes, it is called roads!

> think some people intuitively model bikes on the same category as cars

They literally are in the same category! It is called vehicles, and vehicles are not allowed on sidewalks!

> modifying our built environment to reduce or eliminate conflict points.

How about repression and fines? Works on cars!

> startled when I'm on my bike stopped but balancing on my bike

Perhaps people just do not want to be around dangerous situations? If you fall and break something, they will have to help you.

And cyclists sometimes get angry and aggressive, when falling near pedestrians.