Originally Posted by
genec
What you are saying is that might makes right and that anything/anyone smaller best just stay out of the way. That is the road attitude of much of the 3rd world. That attitude also tends to come from folks that feel they own the road. It is NOT the attitude expressed by the laws that govern the use of the road... otherwise large tractor trailer rigs would dominate any and all lanes on the freeway.
I think he is saying something different. In a collision between 2 tons of vehicle moving at 20 mph and a bike moving at the same speed, it's pretty clear whose going to come out on the losing end. Knowing that drivers make mistakes it behoves the cyclist to ride in a manner that reduces the likelihood of collision. From a safety standpoint there are things I worry more about when I'm on a bike than when in a car. I don't want to leave my fate entirely up to the drivers' ability/willingness to follow the rules.