Originally Posted by
mkane
Theres mostly more than enough room in a lane for a car and a bike.
Not really. Many states now require motor vehicles to pass no less than 3 feet from a cyclist. Some 4 feet. With the distance needed for safety to the right of the cyclist, there isn't enough room for a car to get by entirely in the same lane.
15 years ago, I didn't realize how close I was riding to the right and a small motor vehicle tried to squeeze between me and on coming traffic on the Natchez Trace. I almost got taken out by the boat trailer they were pulling that was at least a foot wider on both sides than the car. I felt it brush by my leg.
Probably just the disturbed air. Still, it's the closest I've come to having a crash with or because of a motor vehicle. Drivers of cars and trucks are not looking to run us over.