Originally Posted by
GlennR
...I can control what I do and assume that drivers don't care...
Yes! This is the way I ride all the time. Assume the driver is always going to make the worst possible move and be prepared for ANYTHING.
I also do a lot of traffic directing, communicating with drivers when we are stopped at a light, waving drivers on in spots where they may be unsure as to exactly how much space I need, etc. As much as it seems drivers are reckless or incapable of sharing the road safely, I think many are just unable to grasp the basic needs of a bicycle out on the road. I find that most of the people on my commute are respectful of my presence, more so when I make some kind of human contact with them.