Originally Posted by Sixty Fiver

As a messenger I spend a lot more time in high density traffic than most and don't spend much time riding on the right as it simply far too hazardous... besides parked cars and the potential for being doored, errant pedestrians, cabs that don't signal when they pull out, etc... there are those motorists will speed up and pass you on the far left to make right turns (you gotta love that).

On quiet streets without right turns the right is fine... when it gets busy this is no place to be and one really wants to be a little more aggressive in their positioning.

One either takes the lane or in the case of multiple lanes, I will often ride in the left lane as this puts you in a place of higher visibility as you are directly in front of the driver and in many cases, it really gets their attention and one does have every right to be there.

It makes left turns easier too because you are already in that lane and I have never had a car pass me on the right and try to make a left turn... because they can't help but see me.

I am a really cautious rider and make sure I am always in the safest place possible... that place just might not be the place where people think a bike should be.

People look at messengers and will often say they are reckless but these guys really know what they are doing... it is one of those "do not try this at home" situations as it does require some really mad skills and a good knowledge of how the traffic flows where you are working.

I also have no problem breaking the law when I know it keeps me safer.