I ride it like Galen, Diane. and its a heck of a lot nicer than the 50 mph plus narrow lanes on the other side of the county line where there isn't the special class lane.
despite the chestbeating of the foresterites, holding a lane on a 50 mph arterial isn't fun or a walk in the park. its an exercise of stoicism against 1000's of distracted and angry drivers. in a 'right turn only except buses and bikes it's you, some buses, and some right turners. like galen says, "It's generally like having a whole lane to yourself"
the main traffic flow is in another lane.