Thanks for the reply turbo.
This is the guy (or conceivably gal) you see dead center in the lane of a very high speed two lane roadway with a six foot wide paved shoulder edge outside the edge of the white line at the edge of the lane with a dozen motor vehicles backed up behind them trying to pass…
Just how prevalent is this “no matter what” lane hog? I know I’ve never seen it. Much more common (around here anyways) are cyclists doing everything they can to always stay out of the way of motorists, even if it means putting themselves into a dangerous situation. FRAPP I’ll call it. As Far Right As Physically Possible.
Not only are these cyclists much more prevalent, but I believe they cause more problems than the militant fanatics you speak of, who seem to be quite the minority. Thanks to the FRAPP riders behavior, motorists have become accustomed (at least around here) to overtaking cyclists immediately under almost any and all circumstances, even when it may not be safe to do so. This causes problems even for those who properly take the lane when warranted, as motorists either get upset at them for taking what they believe to be an improper/illegal lane position, and/or they cause an unsafe situation by refusing to wait behind for a safe opportunity to overtake per the rules of the road. It seems to me that many motorists are convinced that cyclists should almost always be “out of their way” and the FRAPP riders only reinforce this mindset.
Taking the lane and FRAP (As Far Right As Practicable)
are compatible because in some instances as far right as practicable
will be in the center (or even
left of center) of the lane.
The closest you can get to the main flow of traffic is to be part of the main flow of traffic. Unfortunately, that only works when you can maintain your speed to keep up with the speed of traffic.
I respectfully disagree. While I agree a large speed differential makes things more difficult and less pleasant for everyone, even a 25-30 mph difference is quite manageable. In many area's (like mine) you really have no choice. Make it work or drive like everyone else. Making it work per the rules of the road seems to work pretty good to me. I will agree that in some area's bicycle accomodations can be helpfull, and in no way am I against this.