Originally Posted by
howeeee
Taking the lane in 99% of American cities is ludicrous. It is pushed by militant bicyclists. If you take the lane in a state like Michigan you are asking for big trouble. Taking the lane means exactly that, riding in the middle of the lane.
You might be able to do it in NYC, Portland, Madison but that is about it. I dont care what the laws state , if you take the lane in 99% of America you are endangering your life, for no good reason.
I ride year long 15 to 40 miles daily.
Works fine in Seattle. Best to do sparingly, like when it's safer to be out in the lane than not to. You have to use your judgement to know when that's the case.
You might annoy the driver(s) behind you, but they aren't going to murder you because of a minor annoyance.