Originally Posted by
spivonious
I'm generally happy if a car either slows before passing closely (very rarely happens) or passes at least 3 feet from me (happens most of the time). I'm very happy if the car moves into the other lane (easily 6-8 feet from me). These are not 25mph city blocks; they are 40-60mph suburban highways, and close passes are dangerous, regardless of the cyclist's skill.
I feel the same way and have discovered that I get significantly more space if I ride to the left of the fog line than I do if I stay on the right side. Doesn't make a lot of sense, but I think most of the people who pass too close just don't see you. That's more likely to happen if you're right out there in the lane. I do usually move to the right to give more room when traffic is approaching from the other direction.