Originally Posted by Anthony King
Congrats,
As far a vehicles whizzing by your elbow, do you take the lane? When I started commuting I rode too close to the curb and cars passed me in the same lane I was traveling in thus they were pretty close to me when they passed. If you take the lane by getting far enought off the curb that the cars have to go into the next lane to pass you, you'll get more space and the ride will be more pleasant.
--AK
Yes, I do take the lane. What I meant by the vehicles whizzing by my elbow is that I wanted to get used to the idea of having that much metal coming from behind me, at a much higher rate of speed than I, going past me. Even if it is in the next lane. Just a comfort thing, I suppose.