In my short biking experience I have been trying VC. There are a couple of places in my commute where I have to take the lane. I have to admit that it makes me feel uncomfortable slowing down traffic at these locations when I could be using the sidewalk that has a bike lane and pedestrian lane. I feel it would be safe to use the bike lane because there are very few pedestrians on it, if any. The main reason I don't use it is I can't be bothered going off the road and merging back on later. Also I think it is safer to just stay on the road rather than going off it and merging back on.