Originally Posted by
bbbean
In my experience, it is more important to take the lane in a rural area with high speed limits. Cars need to see you from as far away as possible so they can make the appropriate adjustment in their own speed and course.
The only close passes I have on rural roads are when I'm riding too close to the side. When I'm in the middle of the lane, they move to the other and and give me wide berth.
Just wanna be clear exactly what's going on here:
You are choosing to place yourself directly in the path of a motorized vehicle travelling at a speed much greater than yours; you're completely exposed and unprotected, on a bicycle; you're relying on them to "make the appropriate adjustment in their own speed and course".