You proceed from an incorrect premise if you feel taking the lane is not a safety measure. Taking the lane doesn't make you invincible nor is that the intention. The intent is to be seen, and more importantly, to notify motorists that the road is too narrow to pass safely.

The idea that people may hit you is always a reality but never an absolute. The laws are clear, and the solution is simple: you move to the side you encourage passing, when you're in the center, you discourage it.

Besides, you can follow every law, move to the edge, make no mistakes and still get hit. I was hit on the sidewalk and it doesn't get any safer than that. That type of particular possibility exist all the time, no matter how you travel, and with everything we do that involves the rest of society. It no more or less a risky than crossing the street.