Originally Posted by
tractorlegs
So, honestly, in that video if you were the cyclist and you heard or saw a car speeding up behind you, you would pull out into the lane in front of him? So the driver will look up from his texting just in time to see the cyclist he crashes into? I didn't think so. All I am saying to the OP is that he probably should get used to the fact of cage drivers that pass closely - because it's going to happen when you ride, and it's going to happen a lot. I don't know anyone that rides that it doesn't happen to.
Taking the lane is an appropriate tactic in many situations, but not in the op's video. I imagine if the cyclist would have taken the lane, the driver would have passed even more closely, probably faster and in anger.
Like others have stated, my position would be in the lane already ... right tire track at a minimum, or even further left if I'm towing the trailer. Even the most brain-dead driver will see me as far ahead as the horizon, and certainly within 100 yards. My appearance in the middle of the road forces them to wake up, and start making decisions early. If I'm hiding in the cover of trees and mailboxes along the edge of the road, I
will be passed unsafely by most drivers. The criminals who wish to buzz me will do so
regardless of my lane position!
And no, close passes do not happen to me a lot! The concept of lane taking is counter-intuitive, but it has worked for me over many, many miles. I find that the most disturbing passes that happen to me (or riders that are with me) are when I(we) let our guard down, and try to be "courteous" by holding a line more to the right!
I've learned to have little/no care for how quickly others are triggered into "anger"; I don't compromise my safety because I'm hoping that drivers need to to stay "calm".
So, in conclusion, that road in the OP's video would be a place 100% appropriate for me to be in full control of the lane.
YMMV....