Originally Posted by
tarwheel
I stay in the right tire path most of the time, but not so close to the edge that I am riding in the debris line that collects on the side of the road. According to NC state law, cyclists are supposed to ride as far to the right as reasonably possible. That is the law, and I assume that a cyclist could be ticketed for blocking an entire lane -- plus, I think it needlessly ticks off motorists and slows traffic. I will take more of the lane when prudent for safety reasons, such as passing parked cars (where someone might door me) or riding through intersections (so someone won't right-hook me).
The actual wording of the legislation in the NCDOT "Bicyclists and the Law" publication says: "Also, the bicyclist must travel in the right-hand lane and should ride
as close as practicable to the right-hand edge of the highway. [§20-146(a)] Exceptions to this law are provided when the bicyclist is making these maneuvers:
• Passing another vehicle moving in the same direction [§20-146(a)(1)]
• Avoiding a dangerous obstruction [§20-146(a)(2)]
• Riding on a one-way street [§20-146(a)(4)]
• Preparing for a left turn. [§20-146(e)]
Bicyclists are not required to ride on adjacent bicycle paths
There is a considerable difference between the meaning of the words "possible" and "practicable"
Much of the reason for taking the lane is to increase visibility. This can be accomplished better by other means -- wearing bright jerseys, using bright tail-lights all the time.
It will have the effect of increasing your visibility, simply by reason of being directly in the driver's eyeline. But its main purpose is to oblige the driver to move well out to overtake you.
Most will, if required to pull out, move well out, whereas, even if you're wearing hi-viz clothing and bright tail lights but are riding well to the right. many will barely flick the wheel to go round you.
Taking the lane, as others have said, can also be used to prevent a driver going past you when there is oncoming traffic, or other vehicles coming past in the next lane.
You will undoubtedly annoy drivers who may be briefly held up because here isn't room to overtake, but many of them will be irritated simply because you're cycling on "their road".