Originally Posted by
alan s
It is more likely you will be seen by the second car if you are riding off to the side of the lane, rather than in the middle. No guarantee, of course, but certainly more likely. Riding in the middle of the lane almost assures you will not be seen until the front car passes you, and then, of course, it is harder for the next car to avoid you at the last second. You won't catch me "taking the lane" anytime soon.
Either way, the second car won't see you until the first one moves over.
If you are not comfortable taking the lane, then don't. Never let someone else influence you to ride in a way that you don't feel is safe.