Unfortunately this kind of thread just acts to reinforce division. Not helpful at all.
Actually, I'm not sure you're right. It's worth thinking for a moment about the nature of a forum and the character of the level of conversation, or debate.
Just about everyone who takes the time to post anything on a forum is convinced they have something to say, as we all know that isn't always the case. Some people are entirely convinced that they are right, and are unlikely to be open to rational argument, debate or discussion - I'd go as far as to say that applies to the majority of contributors. That's why I rarely quote someone I take issue with, instead I describe what I want to say and only use quote when I want to respond in conversation.
For example as a rule people who think cyclist must wear hi-viz are unlikely to be convinced otherwise, despite the overwhelming responsibility of piloting a car within the confines of what you can see. After all, they will say, it makes sense - I almost hit a cyclist without lights the other night, and if I had it would have been their fault. The concept of victim blaming goes by in a whoosh of self righteousness.
However, that's not the entire story. Within any community there will be people reading who may not have made up their mind, or who are open to lucid discussion. They may not care enough to join in but I suggest that they are actually the more important factors in consideration. There are always knob heads on both sides of any argument that are going to shout loudly but the intelligent reader will normally recognise them for what they are.
Take the anecdotes at the start of the thread about these Manic Cylists Destroying Our Cars. I've both driven and cycled an unusually large number of miles over my life, I have yet to experience a single instance like that. That's not to say that the people reporting these instances are lying, although they may be experiencing recovered memory who knows, but I am certain that most people's experience will be closer to mine. That is, more poor driving causing accidents, more car park nudges and scrapes causing damage without leaving contact info etc etc than any of these cyclist damaging cars incidents. I am sure they do happen, but the cost of insurance reflects the likelihood, as I pointed out earlier. So, while the initial anecdote will likely raise a sympathetic response from readers as it has happened to someone you consider a "friend", by asking readers to question that, based on their own experience, you do achieve something. Maybe.
I know that in the past I have been educated and changed opinions on subjects because of what I have read and encountered, I don't see myself as unique or self righteous, so there are going to be people like me.
That's why I think it's worth the effort of engaging
