Originally Posted by
gmt13
This could be that drivers consider helmets and other cycling gear to be a sign of a more predictable cyclist. The Florida study described the average separation distance to be close to 6 ft, so I wouldn't think that the 4-6" extra is significant anyway.
-Gary
Good post, BTW!
That's exactly it, I think. Motorists see someone in a helmet and cycling clothes, and assume he won't do anything stupid. Of course, the sure way to get passed with plenty of room is to take more lane. Between taking the lane and monitoring upcoming traffic in my mirror, I can dictate when cars get to pass me. If I see traffic in the oncoming lane and see a car approaching me, I'll drift slightly left---just enough to eliminate any room for passing. When it's safe to pass, I drift right and wave the motorist on. I haven't had a problem since I started doing that.
Before I took the lane, I was run over from behind.