got clipped by passenger side mirror

[Mr. Bloom]

I don't disagree with ya'll, but one thing I struggle with in "taking the lane" is that Barb references a hill. She is experienced and lives in a rural, hilly area with curving roads.

I don't think that taking the lane is a good idea where there's a hill or where you're between the low sun and the car.

With the scenario Barb describes (with a clueless driver) she'd like have been hit full on if she was in the lane. There are also circumstances where even the best drivers are blinded (whether by contours or sunshine) and we have to defer our rights to the road in those situations...or risk the consequences.

Cycling has made me a more careful and aware driver...but before this, I was unintentionally a cyclist's nightmare.

[LBTC]

Goodness, Barb! Yikes! I wish I had some magic solution for you, but, alas, I do not. I'm thankful everyday that a vehicle hasn't made contact with me yet....and ride with my protective surround of butterflies. I'm sorry you were hit, grateful you weren't hurt, and proud of you for educating the driver.
Sending loads of butterflies and hugs,
~T~

[TahoeDirtGirl]

I've had a couple of times where cars got really close, but I always wonder, do they not see you or do they think they are far enough over? I wish I could catch em an ask. A couple of times were intentional buttheads getting too close. I could have only hoped they ran out of gas around the corner

[OakLeaf]

I don't think that taking the lane is a good idea where there's a hill

I admit I don't practice it most of the time, but I have to say I think that hills are one of the situations where taking the lane is MOST important.

Sure, it's annoying as h3!! to the drivers when they have to poke along behind me on a steep ascent. But not as annoying as it would be for them to hit an oncoming driver head-on... or punt me off the side of the hill as they swing fully back into their lane to avoid said oncoming driver.

Most drivers do have the sense to stay behind me on hills even when I don't take the lane. It's the other ones that I worry about.