Originally Posted by
joemissler
I personally never occupy the lane. I always ride to the right "tire track". Occupying the lane seems like it is safer but I do not believe that is so.
If a person can't see you or is trying to hit you, riding the middle of the lane increases your odds of getting hit. And if you are concerned about irritating motorists, riding the middle of the lane below the posted speed limit just about guarantees you will irritate them.
Yes, you may get buzzed more often riding in the right but I can handle getting buzzed, getting hit not so much.
Never? You don't even take the lane when there's a right turn lane and you're going straight? That's insane.
The whole point is to take the lane when the car is far enough back to see you're doing it and to slow down accordingly. If you're in the middle of the lane, they can't help but see you. If there's no shoulder or a right turn lane, you're not doing them any favor by hanging out in a blind spot waiting to get hit. I'll bail back to the right as soon as it's safe, but I've gotten pretty adamant about taking the lane after getting hit by a right hook.