Originally Posted by
Digital_Cowboy
Dave,
I believe that the OP has explained that "unfortunately" the video in the first link had been edited, and that the full video is on YouTube. As well as that the OP has said that the "lane" to the cyclists right is on street parking and that the cyclist had just passed a parked car.
But I agree with you in that that is one of the reasons we take the lane, i.e. to a buffer so that if a motorist does do something "dumb" like not giving us enough room we have a buffer to our right to move over. If one is riding FRAP or up against the curb one doesn't have that buffer.
I think that that is something that those who oppose VC riding don't understand, or possibly don't want to understand.
I had tried to find the unedited video on YouTube but couldn't find it -- if anyone can post that link, it would be great.
You make a good point about how riding in the lane gives you a buffer to the right; however, it has no value unless you are willing to use the buffer defensively. It seems that some cyclists try to maintain leftward lane position in the face of aggressive drivers, as though to do so is to defend one's boyhood. When I'm driving a car on the freeway and an 18-wheeler starts merging into me, I both get on my horn and move out of the way. I don't stubbornly hold my position to assert my right to be on the road.