Originally Posted by
Happy Feet
I would question whether forcing all traffic to slow and complete an entire lane switch to pass is safer for either the driver or rider overall, statistically speaking, as compared to just allowing traffic to flow as expected.
Unless you are riding on 20mph or less roadways you are basically a stationary object each driver is approaching in a moving vehicle. One they have to figure out how to detour around in traffic traveling both way. Over a long period of time I would expect more driver errors from that than passing while riding on the right/shoulder.
Do you have a reflective triangle as tractors and other slow moving vehicles do or do you just hope drivers notice and reduce speed. It would seem all hope of safety is pinned to them noticing a blinky light (if used). Safety for riding right/shoulder is based on the fact that most drivers don't drive in that zone and avoidance is very easy compared to someone being directly in the path of the vehicle.
Your lifetime of experience riding has been obviously different than a lot of folks who ride bikes regularly around here, some of whom, I'm sure, also have a lifetime of riding experience riding who will disagree with you that riding on the edge is safer than away from it,
ceteris pribus.
Parked cars move at 0 km/h and yet somehow traffic is able to move around them on the busy streets of downtown Toronto where street parking is the norm.
Fact is, drivers focus on the road ahead of them and they seen what's in front, not to the side. The closer to the edge you ride the further away you are from their zone of focus.
In Ontario, bicycles are considered slow-moving vehicles, and as such are subject to the rules for such vehicles. It states explicitly in the government's cycling handbook:
For cyclists, you must ride far enough out from the curb to maintain a straight line, clear of sewer grates, debris, potholes, and parked car doors. You may occupy any part of a lane when your safety warrants it. Never compromise your safety for the convenience of a motorist behind you.
The last part bolded for emphasis.