For the past year, I've been cycling two miles each way to the station every working day. It's an easy-ish cycle - through a park, then quiet residential roads, then a left turn onto about 50 metres of very busy single-lane road which turns into a horrible seven-way gyratory, and ending up at the train and bus station.
Almost every day, I encounter some kind of abuse from a driver. They drive too close, too fast; don't indicate; sit behind and rev; cut corners; cut me up; start off without indicating; open doors without looking; etc etc etc.
On the way into town I use the road all the way - it feels reasonably safe, although I know I can't get through a green light if it's about to change to red as there isn't enough time to cycle across the gyratory, so I hop onto the pavement rather than stop suddenly in heavy traffic. (The alternative is risking it and getting stuck in the middle of the road system, which I have done and is frankly terrifying.)
On the way home I cycle on the pavement for the 50 metres of very busy single-lane road and across the gyratory, so I can turn right without crossing traffic. Everyone does. There is no cycle path, no way for me to get onto the road safely. I could launch myself into the middle of the gyratory and pray, but for some bizarre reason I feel safer on the pavement. The council is updating the cycle paths around us this year, and is still not putting in a cycle path on this road.
I cycle slowly, wear lights, sit behind pedestrians, wouldn't dream of ringing my bell to get them to move. If there isn't room for someone to pass me I get off and walk. I feel my use of the pavement is justified, as there basically isn't another option . The bus is £4.90 return for two miles, cycling is (more-or-less) free.
Drivers have no idea how vulnerable cyclists are. Cyclists who cycle too fast and expect pedestrians to move are knobs, the same as drivers who drive too fast and don't indicate. In fact, they're probably the same people.