This is more for new peeps who are uncomfortable riding in the street...

When I first started riding regularly, about 2 months ago, I was nervous about the street and would use is sparingly. Seeing the dangers on the sidewalk I ventured into the street and gave that a shot. I would hug the curb so as "not to get in the way of the cars". The more I ride the more I find myself truly "taking the lane". Why you ask? Why put my self further into the path of cars that I was nervous about just a few short months ago? I realized that the more I hugged the curb the more likely the driver in the quickly approaching car would try to "sneak" by me making for some harrowing passes. As I scooted further away from the curb and more into the lane the more I realized that the cars, for the most part, are more likely to give you a little more room when passing since they have had to get in the lane over anyhow. Voila! Less close calls. It also affords me the opportunity to pull toward the curb if evasive action is necessary due to a really close call.

I am sure most of the hardened vets here are saying to themselves, "Well yeah, duh!" That is the reason for my first statement about this being more for the people who are apprehensive about scooting away from the curb and taking THEIR lane to protect themselves.