Instead of making America easier to see on all modes, the US Department of Transportation is encouraging U.S. residents to just get in their cars and drive.
A broader definition of safety includes health risks from a sedentary lifestyle, which would include a large proportion of people. Cycling reduces these risks, while driving makes them worse. Cycling still increases your life expectancy, so safety shouldn’t be a reason not to cycle.
Of course, perceived safety is important too as this is preventing people from taking up cycling. But that’s a different conversation.
To add to this
A broader definition of safety includes health risks from a sedentary lifestyle, which would include a large proportion of people. Cycling reduces these risks, while driving makes them worse. Cycling still increases your life expectancy, so safety shouldn’t be a reason not to cycle.
Of course, perceived safety is important too as this is preventing people from taking up cycling. But that’s a different conversation.