All I can say in response to "take the lane" folks, is I'll purposely block cars from passing me in certain situations where my safety dictates it. I make it obvious that I'm blocking them from passing me, and then get out of the way at the earliest oppportunity. However, I'll never just ride along in the middle of the lane like some seem to advocate. I've been riding a long time on all sorts of roads, and have never been in an accident with a car, or even come very close, because I choose safe routes, ride very attentively and look out for my safety first. (I don't believe in jinxing myself, so don't even go there
). Ride how you want, and be safe. You are the only one who is going to get injured or killed in a collision.