Those Brits are so far behind, it is not even funny ;-)

I think a lot of the type A personalities have discovered cycling as an outlet where they can break rules, let loose, show off and not be called/penalized for it....especially in major population centers on the East and West coast....

It will pass.... same as Golf.

Why do I know?

On my recent rides when it was wet, cold and rainy, none of these people showed up.