Please don' misunderstand my position on this. I differentiate between riding lane position and keeping or taking the lane to manage passes.

My normal lane position on an open road is just to the right of the lane's center. I agree that center lane puts us where drivers are looking, and makes us more visible against the background. I think most experienced riders agree so far.

The difference is what happens on busier roads, or when cars actually begin their pass. Once a driver has seen me and begins his pass, I'll ease right, increasing the separation beyond what the driver planned, making it better for everyone. Likewise when traffic is a bit heavier, I'll move to about 2' in from the fog line to reduce the amount he needs to move over, and that's never failed to work for everyone.

But, there's a big difference between lane placement for safety and taking and keeping a lane because you legally can, without concern for motorists behind. If I feel I'm holding someone behind me up because there's no room to pass, I'll count off a few seconds and plan for a place for a safe pass at first opportunity. These passes are sometimes close, but not any closer than the passes I'm used to in NYC, and unlike the city, I'm not in a door lane when they happen.

I guess the difference is more about attitude. I'm not in competition with motorists who I feel are mostly interested in the same thing I am --- getting to my destination expeditiously. To that end I consider the road as a shared resource, and treat drivers the same way I'd treat family at the dinner table.