Originally Posted by
Bekologist
high roller, would you want cyclists to have explicit rights to claim even a wide lane for safety reasons like debris, etc?
Of course. But if by "explicit" you mean via a law written specifically to govern cyclists' position within a lane, then the answer is no. If the state defines bicycles as vehicles, then we already have the right to occupy any part of a lane that we deem necessary. I as an individual cyclist should determine where "no further left than is necessary" is, and accomodate faster traffic on a voluntary basis when my safety needs have been met. Laws targeted specifically to a minority inevitably lead to discrimination and loss of equal rights. Societies have a pretty dismal track record when it comes to legislating morality, cooperation, and common decency.