Noisebeam - damn, that's a busy street. You might be able to fit between the cars and the curb, the gutter is uneven and you'll hit the asphalt-gutter line a lot. I notice there's a lot of trees by the sidewalk so if you do take the sidewalk, you'll have to watch out for drivers pulling out of the sidestreets. Probably have to stop at each and every block to check, then dart across.
Originally Posted by Quickbeam
I don't really see how the size of the vehicle makes any difference in situations where you have to take the lane.
People in cars can see outside their passenger windows when passing you and have a better feel for the width of their vehicles. People in SUVs and 4x4's can barely see you, if at all, outside the passenger window and, from my observation, aren't comfortable or knowledgeable with the larger width (and height, weight, handling) of their mini-tanks. I've been buzzed too many times by Excursions, Escalades, Hummers, etc. to get a comfortable feeling that I'm sharing the road with other responsible people.
Originally Posted by Quickbeam
In the situation that the OP described (two-way, stoplight, no shoulder, cyclist going straight) the only safe way to negotiate that is taking the lane IMO. Whether there's a VW beetle, a Hummer or a semi tractor/trailer at the light. If you try to stay right, you'll get hooked by motorists turning right when you're trying to go straight. If the motorists honk at you because they don't think you belong there, TFB!
Actually, "taking the lane" on a highway in CA is
illegal. It's no surprise that motorists honk. We are all supposed to
share the road, not
hog the road. It is very dangerous when there is a speed difference in excess of 25 mph and the law recognized this.
21654. (a) Notwithstanding the prima facie speed limits, any vehicle proceeding upon a highway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
(b) If a vehicle is being driven at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time, and is not being driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, it shall constitute prima facie evidence that the driver is operating the vehicle in violation of subdivision (a) of this section.
(c) The Department of Transportation, with respect to state highways, and local authorities, with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may place and maintain upon highways official signs directing slow-moving traffic to use the right-hand traffic lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or preparing for a left turn.
Amended Ch. 545, Stats. 1974. Effective January 1, 1975.