I am a very timid rider. But I would consider eye contact with a driver a necessity, if I thought he and I might be in the same place at the same time. I don't CARE who I right, I KNOW who will walk away.

As far as taking the lane, I try to makemy decisions based on where I think I am the most visible, and also my expectations of car behavior. I usually take the lane when I feel that it is dangerous for a car to pass me, as in a particular no passing zone on a bridge, where they pass me anyway. Mostly, I want them to make a concious decision to pass me, and move into the lane of oncoming traffic. That way, at least I have slowed them down, and if they do need to swerve back into the lane, at least I have somewhere to go.

I feel that I am communicating to them that I need the lane. Of course THEY all think that I am just being purposely obnoxious, and choosing to obstruct them, just when the lane narrows and goes over a bridge. (Even though there is a warning sign for bicycles.) (Hence my signature line. )

But there are so many variables...

(I now realize that I did not read Veronica's post.)
Mary