Originally Posted by
FenderTL5
I have to agree with ILtB here. I'm almost 50 years old. I started bicycle commuting here spradically in 2010. I've been biking every work day since May. What I have learned, so far, is that one size does not fit all. Each road has it's own unique circumstances, even the same road/route can be different depending on the time of day. I ride FRAP, in bike lanes, through parking lots (avoiding the street), and take the lane at different spots along my daily commute. My riding style has changed along different sections of the daily route since May.
In fact, even some of the routes have changed.
I'm less concerned about being right as I am about avoiding collision and confrontation.
I want to be prepared for whatever arises and it's a constant learning experience.
THIS.
The truth is that there is no one size fits all style and "rules" in some places work and in others, they don't. There are sections of some roads, and some times, where I do take the lane - though on the whole I consider it inconsiderate and a last resort. There are areas where it really is OK to ride on sidewalks at low speeds (not where I live). A lot of folks act like their preferences are universal when I think they are very dependent on where the person is; the mirror crusaders are a prime example.
Smart riders adapt their behavior to their environment.