Commuting: Riding in Naples is Safe?!

When I talk to people about biking in Italy, often times the first thing that comes up in the conversation is the question of safety: is it safe to ride on the roads?  


Interestingly enough, despite the crazy driving habits of Italians, they are extremely respectful of cyclists.   Everyone I speak to about biking on the roads in Italy is amazed, especially Americans, as driving on the roads can be stressful, so they assume that cyclling on the road would be stressful and dangerous.  Quite the opposite.  Unlike in America where the average driver is cursing at any/all cyclists, the typical Italian driver respects and sometimes admires road-borne cyclists.  What's the difference?  The average Italian views cyclists as sports heroes.  American's wouldn't know cycling was a sport if it wasn't for Lance Armstrong winning 7 straight Tour de France victories.  To analogize, it would be like a Saint Louis Cardinal Baseball player running in the street in Saint Louis; they'd get all the respect and plenty of room from passing cars.  


So, the driving might be a bit crazy in Bella Napoli, but they aren't gunning for you on your bike.