Originally Posted by
caloso
I'm plenty concerned with my own safety. And I've found that the safest place, as counterintuitive as may be to many drivers (and a shockingly large number of cyclists), is to be in the lane out of the doorzone. If there's a bike lane, great. If there's a wide shoulder, great. If not, I'll take the lane. Especially if it's just for a half mile.
Now, if it's a much longer section, I'd probably just try to find a different route. And I don't want to be completely dogmatic. If you're not comfortable taking the lane, then don't. But personally, I would much rather be in the lane, off the sidewalk, out of the doorzone.
I am comfortable taking the lane in many situations. But I have found there are areas of Austin where drivers are used to, and accept, cyclists taking the lane and there are areas where the opposite is true and they will pass you with very little clearance, because they are annoyed and resentful. If the demographic really sucks and the sidewalk is empty I might use the sidewalk. Agreed the door zone is not a good place to be. I try to weigh all the factors and make the best decision for my safety, and the prevailing attitude of the drivers on a given road is a big factor. There is one road I ride, only one lane in either direction, limited shoulder, but drivers by and large respect me taking the lane. Try it at 1:00 PM Sunday when the old people are getting out of one of the churches there and its suicide!
We are not really that much in disagreement, I think. Just saying it DOES make a difference what the prevailing attitude of the motorists you are surrounded by is.
Don in Austin