I like to ride where I feel comfortable and safe. Frankly, that is rather seldom in the traffic lane. I do use them occasionally, primarily when they are unnoccupied or when necessary because of various conditions on the ride side of the road. Certainly I use them in order to reach a left turn lane and make a left. I also have a helmet mirror. This enables me to operate my bike without disturbing the riding or driving pleasure of others while enhancing the comfort and safety I mentioned earlier. I suppose I tend to be assertive when I need to be assertive and not when it adds nothing to my progress, comfort or safety.