Originally Posted by Don in Austin

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