Originally Posted by
weshigh
Do they extend the courtesy to you while you are not on camera riding in the same manner? That'd probably answer your question....
Frankly I think the video is a bit pollyannish... first there are two cyclists when these videos are made... so that increases your visibility and reduces the negative interaction from motorists. Second, you don't hear the sound... so you don't know if the cyclist is ever honked at. And last, these show ideal traffic conditions during one time events... not day to day rush hour commuting with frustrated motorists on really bad narrow streets.
But the bottom line is still that cyclists DO take the lane, and have every right to, and should do so when the conditions warrant doing so.