Originally Posted by cynicisminc

So I bike in Santa Barbara, and where there aren't bike lanes (nearly everywhere, compared to Seattle, but don't tell the locals! They think they're so progressive; it's cute!) I try to be polite, keeping to the right so cars can pass, but nearly every day I find cars edging me onto the sidewalk or cutting me off. If I keep to the center of the lane to defend my space I feel much safer but tick off every car on the road. I was nearly bowled over today by a mustang and am beginning to sympathize with Critical Mass. How can I ride safely and politely?

I apologize if this has been addressed before (as seems likely), but these forums are now very large and I can't search effectively. Perhaps some knowing person could point me towards a useful thread?

James