Yes, writing about it was slightly a vent to get it out. Yes I do drive, and know this happens and will happen again. I have calmed down mentally now, but still keep wondering if there was anything else I could do to avoid this in the future or if its just unavoidable. I have had some encounters before but this was the closest and the driver still seemed to act like he felt I was wrong for being there. I was doing what all the other bikers do there and what seems to be the legal and safe thing.

I do have a bright red blinky, but didn't have it on this morning. I usually turn it on part way into my ride (after the bike path section) but forgot to today. Maybe this would have helped catch they drivers eye. I also didn't have my usual High viz on today as my those jerseys were dirty. I wonder if either of those things would make a difference with him noticing/avoid me better. I tend to my guess is he looked back to change lanes and didn't see me move over).

A bike mirror is an interesting one. I wouldn't have been caught as off guard by this guy, and might have been able to move over a bit when he started approaching from behind had I had a mirror. I know there are a ton of threads about mirrors, but not sure what type of mirror would work best for me on a road bike with drop bars. I have seen some bar end ones but had questions as to how well they work. Maybe I should just try one, or maybe a helmet one, and see how it works.

Suggestions on mirrors from anyone who rides a road bike?