This is nonsense. I've been cycling long distances since the early 80's and gained most of my early experience in Southern Illinois where messing with cyclists was a sport (at least back then). I live in OR now, and my general attitude is that few people who whine about traffic out here have any idea of how bad it can be.

Taking the lane is not only safe, but few motorists will mess with you if you do it right. Taking the lane has absolutely nothing to do with blocking traffic which is an obnoxious practice. It is however all about getting people wherever they're going as safely and quickly as possible.

If you cower in the door zone or along the curve making it clear that you think you have no right to be there, the motorists will meet your expectations and push you right off the road. If you position yourself where you are clearly visible, act like you know what you're doing, and work with them, they won't mess with you. In fact, you can even get them to thank you for it if you do it correctly.

Same rules apply to motorists as large hostile dogs. Act calm and assertive, and you'll be fine. Be fearful or like a spаz, and they'll have you for lunch.

Taking the lane doesn't mean you should ever trust the cars -- there are a certain percentage of drug addicts, people with mental problems, sleepers, etc behind the wheel. So you do need to be ready to bail. But the vast majority of drivers are decent enough and practically everyone does what the person in front of them did. So if you can slow them down for a safe pass or get them to give you some space, the cars/trucks behind also will. Herding cars is an essential technique to master for anyone who spends much time on busy roads