Originally Posted by
CommuterRun
And I maintain that this video and write-up are excellent at showing how the average driver typically interacts with cyclists. Using a bike lane or paved shoulder does invite higher speed and closer passing.
Certainly, when the average driver is attentive (not distracted by cell phone or lack of sleep), and the roadway has plenty of sight line, and there is no other traffic that might require negotiation by the driver of a vehicle wishing to change lanes, or following traffic that might suddenly become aware of slow traffic in front of them when a lead car pulls away. Indeed under the conditions given, drivers do act that way... however, said conditions are rare in the urban environment.... thus this is NOT a realistic portrayal of how motorists may react to the typical commuting cyclist... unless you happen to live on a farm and are commuting to the local feedstore.