Originally Posted by
tractorlegs
The other thing is rear light placement, and I'll post a picture. Having the light on the left side of the coke basket has made a very real difference in how approaching cars react, and how much room they give me, both day and night. I'm not a scientist and cannot cite any studies, but it's been quite a difference.
Interesting. Thanks for the tip.
Another often stated technique is to take the lane if you're going through an area where there's not enough room for a car to pass you safely.
Sometimes I'm bothered by close passes. Other times not. It helps if I see them coming rather than being surprised by it and it's also less bothersome if the driver is otherwise driving responsibly (not speeding, etc). Usually it's forgotten within the next mile.
From a psychological standpoint, I wonder if the presence of a line on a narrow bike lane makes a cyclist feel safer even if the cars are passing just as close.