spokes wrote:
i recently switched commuting routes, and my new route has a line of cars parked in the right lane for about 15 minutes of the ride..... i would like to hear what you all have to say. i'm sure it would be more helpful, and much less condescending!!


In CA the vehicle code is that bikes are traffic. If a bike lane is there, you should be in it but if conditions make the lane unsafe (cars, glass, grate etc) or if no bike lane is present you have the right to "take the lane". Just do the normal stuff, signal, look back for approaching cars and get yourself right in there. You have the right to ride out of reach of car doors ESPECIALY if you see drivers in the car.

If the cars are vacant it's not as important but sometimes you can't see that (blacked out windows etc).

Part of my bike route I choose off streets, parallel to the main drag because it is less traffic. You may ride at or about the speed of traffic so your cabby was not much inconvenience but was wrong to correct you.

hope this helps