I haven't a clue why the garbage truck needed to backup. Definite note to self: don't stare in any one particular direction, always look around every couple of seconds, and never assume that a car notices me.

Just curious, what is wrong with hugging the curb?

I'm riding the bike path now, it's so beautiful and most cyclists are nice enough to shout, "on your left!" before zooming past me. I accept my fate as the slow toothpick, for now. Another six months and I will be passing some cyclists too and not just pedestrians. Lol.