Certainly dead is dead, but how many pedestrians are killed by cyclists compared to cyclists killed by motorists? A bike can stop faster than a car, can dodge (or walk their bikes around) animals and children better than a car can and is less likely to kill the weaker party in a collision.
Not a lot of cars on the road 100 years ago. Times change and so should motorized/non-motorized rules. BTW, I’m all for bike paths that aren’t part of the road.
So take it up with your legislator. And good luck with that.