I use a hold-and-release technique. I use a rear view mirror and try to stay abreast of what's going on behind me, on my sides, and in front. Before a car comes close, I like to be in the middle of the lane so the driver sees me. Then as it gets close, if I think I can spare room for them to pass, I'll give it up. If I don't, I keep the lane until I can give them room. I acknowledge their presence by turning my head back, even though, with my mirror, I don't need to do that to see them. A trick I've developed is doing two head turns in rapid succession. I believe this indicates clearly that I definitely know the driver is there.

I think it's possible to care too much about making drivers angry. If I work too hard to prevent that anger, I could endanger myself. The road is for people, not users of one type of vehicle or another. I try to make it clear that if I'm impeding someone, it will be for the shortest time necessary. Sometimes I even signal to a driver behind me that they should wait to pass me, such as when there is a blind turn ahead and the lane is too narrow for both a bike and a car.

If context matters, I ride in New York City and upstate New York. Traffic is dense in the city, and there are lots of bikes. Upstate, roads are very narrow and have little or no shoulder. I turn this into my advantage because I can make it clear when I will and won't share the lane.

I recommend against moving into and out of the lane. It reinforces the idea that you don't really belong in the roadway and that you're a guest who could be dis-invited.

My techniques may sound nervy, and they take practice, but I believe they enhance safety, and that may be counterintuitive.