Originally Posted by
banerjek
I don't believe there is any specific wording -- I've always thought of that phraseology as cycling lingo.
Even in bike friendly states such as OR, there is no specific right listed and in fact we don't have a blanket right to take the lane as many cyclists believe. The reality is that the right to take the full lane only applies if you can maintain normal traffic speed
ORS 814.430 - Improper use of lanes - 2011 Oregon Revised Statutes Otherwise, you're supposed to be as far right as practical.
But whatever the law says, rules of physics and common sense must predominate on the roads.
Well, looking in an ODOT pamphlet for cyclists, entitled "Oregon Bicyclist Manual", I find this:
"When you should take a lane
If there is no shoulder or bike lane, and the travel lane is narrow,ride closer to the center of the lane. This will prevent motorists from passing you when there isn't room. You should also take the lane when traveling the same speed as traffic."
In another section, under "How far to the right you should ride" it says, as an example of "when you shouldn't ride too far to the right":
"When a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and vehicle to travel safely side by side"
That's pretty close to a blanket statement, if you think about it.