Originally Posted by
BlazingPedals
Take the lane BEFORE the intersection. If there's a red light, that means queuing up with the cars and not passing them on their blind side. If you are to the right of the fog line, or hugging the curb, you are marginalizing yourself and giving up your right-of-way. I generally take the right tire track. Make them have to cross into the next lane to get past you; they will think twice about turning right from that position. There will still be the occasional idiot, but at least you'll have left a bit of room to your right for avoidance maneuvers.
I normally do that also when the road and conditions permit it. On our two-way single lane roads and where there is any kind of shoulder I do as first posted. Incidentally, I most of the time do not try to keep to the right of the fog line (or bike lane) because on our narrow roads with narrow bike lanes I have found that people will cut right close to me instead of giving the required separation distance when passing a cyclist. If I am in the "bike lane" (1 or 2 feet wide) what happens when I have to swerve to avoid an obstruction?.
By riding on the line or even over it a bit I am still keeping to the right but am then something to be considered by on coming motorists. They usually give me a wide berth and are less apt to try passing on a curve or hill.
In busy somewhat urban conditions I get right out there. There's always a risk but hand signals do minimize the danger and I always try to remember to use them.
Incidentally, I do not understand cyclists who wear ear plugs. I am always attentive to the sounds of what's coming up behind me and act accordingly.