So sorry that you had that experience Matt F. Honestly some people think the world is created for them! I think that you did a great thing by talking to the man, but I wouldn't have done it myself as I would have felt a tad vulnerable. Sometimes people need to see that there is always the flip side. If ever cornered by someone who felt I wasn't paying my dues by not driving a car.... (idiotic I'm sure) I'd happily point out that the fact that I am making sure that traffic is less congested so that they can get around easier, I'm not queuing up for petrol in a car so that they don't have to wait as long, as well as not taking up a car park space so that there are more to go around. There is always a flip side. Some people don't see the value in things, unless they can see an immediate value to their own lives.
But yes, I probably wouldn't get the same reaction as you did, being that I am a woman, with two children in riding aboard with me. I have had loads of positive interactions. Most people won't curse or honk at two preschool children waving and smiling at them.