This is highly subjective and very, very bad advice to pass on. A much more sound practice is to ensure that you are always on the right side of the law; this starts with employing your favorite search engine to find where, in your state's vehicle code, bicycle laws are hidden. It's worth learning them, and it's worth following them, despite what those like cycco might try to convince you of. I've cycled in many states, and generally cyclists have all the rights and responsibilities of cars on public roadways, but again, the onus is on you to learn your local laws.