I have a friend that has a pool noodle that sticks 1-2 feet into the lane and he says he gets a lot more room.
His is like this- https://qz.com/1620913/the-best-cycl...-a-pool-noodle
Lights definitely help in my experience, most drivers are oblivious, but do not wan tto actually hit a cyclist.
Tom Palmer
Twin Lake, MI