hmmmmm I'm one of those old fashioned year round riders and not noticed it worse (or better) however I do try to avoid towns and built areas as much as possible. Out in the countrside it's easy to assume no one has seen you as it's almost definitely going to be correct ; )
Not sure about people not used to seeing bikes about, for sure there will bound to be a few more now 'the season' is starting but there has usually been a decent smattering amount of bikes about through the Winter, or at least on the days I have been out. Even this Sunday which was pretty rough I saw at least half dozen bikes on the 70 mile loop I did out Dorchester/Shaftesbury way.
