Originally Posted by
CB HI
What do you base this offhand claim on?
My experience has been that in areas with more cyclist, motorist have become more comfortable with passing closer and closer. This is especially true at night, now that all motorist understand a red little blinkie only means a cyclist is ahead.
Years ago at night, virtually every driver would completely change lanes to pass, fearing the light was something that would total their car. Now I am lucky to get more than two feet of clearance.
Experience based observation.
Motorists only "see" hat they expect to see. Where there are few bicyclists or pedestrians, motorists scan the road looking for cars. Though their eye "see" a bicycle, they don't make a real connection, and don't register one. Also, if not used to sharing the road with bicycles they tend to totally misjudge speed, and pass without adequate room, commit left hooks or come into the road off stop sign thinking they have time.
Where motorists are well used to bicycles, they adjust their driving accordingly. However, you're right that this cuts both ways. As motorists learn to read cyclists, they will pass closer and/or count on me to ride predictably.
All in all, I'd far rather share roads with drivers who expect me to be there, and are comfortable with it.