Originally Posted by ZCow

Again, this comes down to location. For myself, taking the quickest route, in my case, a main arterial, pulling over to let a backup of traffic is a very minimal wait time, and I never feel inconvenienced for doing so. I don't "worry" as you put it, it's simply what I feel is doing best/safest for myself and all motorists. If bike lanes were readily available here (which in the state of Florida is MANDATORY to ride in if available) then I would take them. You must have a much higher tolerance for shoulder driving, as I get squeezed, closely passed, etc. when I am on the shoulder of the road. Taking the lane has swerved me well, and the video footage my friend uses proves this (more space when passing, overtaking further away, etc).