Originally Posted by
John Forester
Genec is arguing (see his previous posts in this thread), though he doesn't admit it, that this road has adequate width for motorists to overtake cyclists in the same lane. It doesn't. Given that, the cyclist's lateral position makes no difference to the motorist's probability of being able to make a lawful and safe overtaking movement.
Welcome back John.
No, I never made that argument... and would not... this is a narrow road.
In my first post I made this statement: "Even the side of the road in this case is likely questionable. The road apparently has a rather poor shoulder, but "taking the lane" on an unlit single lane high speed road at night is just asking to be plowed into by the next cell phone distracted motorist."
I also go on to say: "I support the cyclist, but I am also practical in nature, and understand that such a location is far from from ideal. Motorists are notorious for driving distracted... and no amount of blinkies will save this cyclists life under those circumstances."
Sorry John... this is just a bad road to be riding at night (the circumstances presented), and cycling statistics indicate that such a road is a bad place for cyclists.
There is no ideal solution. I support the cyclist for taking the lane, really the only safe place on the road... but this is simply the kind of road situation that leads to bad statistics for cyclists. "A cyclist riding on a narrow, single lane, poorly lit, high speed road, at night... statistically the worst possible situation for a cyclist... and taking the lane... thus it is indeed highly likely that a negligent driver may hit the cyclist."