I was riding my usual Tuesday route last night on a two lane road with no shoulder. There was a car coming from the opposite direction and one from behind. We all three met on the same piece of road. The guy behind passed me at about 50 MPH, one hand on the wheel, one holding a cell phone to his ear. His mirror missed me by about 6 inches.

This was in broad daylight. I had on an orange jersey and a blinking taillight.

I'm new to this sport. I realize it's dangerous, but how often do the close calls happen? If you've been hit by a car, what were the circumstances?

Later in the same ride, I recognized the same situation about to occur, and moved out into the middle of my lane, forcing the guy behind to slow down and wait to go around. The first time, I didn't realize it soon enough to claim the lane. Do you take the lane on a two lane road all the time?