Thanks for your responses I found the information very helpful.
Can anyone point me in the direction of the uk statistics that say normal roads are safer for cyclists than dedicated cycle lanes/paths?
It is difficult to compare the two, but some interesting data here:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2005/07/1993846/38562
Quote from John Forrester
Any ideas why he does not consider the danger of being struck or forced off the road when a motor vehicle passes too close and too fast?
He does, that is part of his philosophy, the type of incident you describe is not uncommon on UK segregated tracks where they intersect with motor traffic.