Slack, Caution, or Courtesy?

[plantluvver]

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

[Geonz]

What is the benefit of not using a good shoulder? There *is* a visibility issue.

Now, if you are going to have to merge back in and there's traffic... the benefit is not having to merge back in with drivers who think you shouldn't be there.

I ride in the lane for visibility and keep an eye on the shoulder and in my mirror... and if it makes sense, I get on the shoulder to let a car pass. Yesterday I did that for a big honkin' pickup ... literally, he tooted twice as he went by - but then was giving me a big wave (with all the fingers). I don't think his horn *could* have done a "light toot" but was trying to.

If I"m going to lose the shoulder, or if I"m not sure it's clear, I'm in the lane.

Often, here, there's *one* car coming up behind me with a big gap behind it. If I duck right, the car goes by and thinks nice things. However, I think it's important that I'm seen in my lane and pulling over. When you're on the shoulder, you're invisible. I also ride assertively - assuming a posture that's strong, not "oh, I'm not sure I should be here..."

[Mel_bikes]

what is this shoulder you talk about. I live in NH we have a white fog line denoting the edge of the pavement (sometimes). I am always in the lane, no choice. If I am too close to the edge, cars won't give me any room. The roads are all narrow and twisty. Friendly drivers make them very enjoyable.

I always slow down in that kind of situation. Better safe then sorry.

[Geonz]

I saw these pictures from our RIde of Silence and thought, "good grief! There's no excuse for not commuting on these streets!" (Granted, this is between school sessions.)