Plantluvver,

See page 48 of Ray's book. ORS (Oregon Revised Statutes) 814.430 basically says it's OK for a cyclist to take the lane when "..other conditions that make continued operation along the right curb or edge unsafe or to avoid unsafe operation in a lane on the roadway that is too narrow for a bicycle and vehicle to travel safely side by side." <my emphasis added>

It's not uncommon for motorists to think we have to ride all the way over to the right regardless of the conditions, but that's incorrect. We CLEARLY have the right to ride in the lane in such a way that vehicles CAN'T pass if WE think that it's unsafe or too narrow.

This knowledge is power. I'd bet half the police officers around here aren't even aware of it.

Of course, you can be right and still be dead (ie. dead right) so you must always be careful. Nonetheless, I ALWAYS take the lane when crossing narrow bridges, which I do every day on my way to and from TE's warehouse. And I take it early enough that I don't find myself squeezed off the road with no place to go. My intentions are clear.

This kind of confidence riding in traffic takes time. I should also mention that I wear an eyeglass mirror so I always know precisely who is coming up on me, and how close they are behind me, so I'm never surprised.

Hope this helps.

Stay safe!

Susan