Hello, 1st post besides one in the introductions forum.

I'm a cycle commuter in Philly, and commute every day across the Walnut Street bridge (2 lanes 1 way). This bridge has a bike lane that I rarely use (I take the car lane). Here's why:

-There is often accumulated dirt, debris, and, at the moment, snow, in the bike lane.

-The lane is mostly populated by mountain bikes and upright commuters that I pass. This passing would necessitate frequent exit and re-entry of the car lane, a dangerous practice I think.

-The road surface is irregular and staying within the bike lane leaves me few options for maneuvering around the bumps and cracks.

-In a large section, there are parked cars to the right of the lane. I'm terrified of doors opening, cars pulling out of parking spots, and pedestrians popping out from between the cars headed for their own parked cars. This fear prevents me from riding as fast as I'd like to in the bike lane.

So taking the car lane seems to be the safest option.

There is usually little enough traffic that cars have no trouble passing me in the left lane. Until today, no drivers have complained by honking. Today for the first time I heard a car honk approaching me from behind, so I took the bike lane and the SUV passed. I finished my trip in the bike lane nervously watching the parked cars for signs of movement.

This got me wondering what you guys would think about this commuting practice of taking the car lane when there is a bike lane, so I registered.

Is this safe?

Is this considerate to car commuters?

Basically, do you think this is good practice, or should I be staying in the bike lane?

I honestly have no idea what the law has to say about it.

Thanks.