Every driver is taught that
he has to check thorougly for cyclists between them and the pavement
before turning left. If you're used to it, it's no problem at all.


And lethal if the driver isn't.

Agree. But it's an chicken-and-egg-story.
If there are not too many cyclists, drivers don't get used. And if
drivers don't get used to cyclists, cycling is dangerous and people will
think twice before they start cycling.



In continental Europe, rules have been adapted to give cyclists the
same rights as drivers (i.e. if a cyclist comes from the right, he has
priority over the driver).


Yep, same here.


IMO, this rule increases the average speed
cycling and makes the bike a more attractive mode of transport.


I think that's more to do with the, umm, flatness of NL...

Many area's in the UK are equally suited for cycling.
And besides, NL isn't as flat as you might think. The eastern part of
the country has its hills. They might not be high, but there are plenty
of short but steep hills. And cycling is popular in that part, too. Both
as a means of transport and for recreational purposes.