Originally Posted by rockyy3
On most roads, you have room to escape. Here, I don't think you always do.
That's precisely why you GIVE yourself room to escape by moving to the left. You say this narrow stretch is short anyway - you aren't going to delay anybody for hours.
As for what you call "flamers"... you should realize you touched a very sensitive spot. The attitude that cyclists don't belong on the road is so widespread and aggravating that anybody who suggests it on these boards shouldn't be surprised when people react negatively and somewhat... um... passionately. They've also usually been through this sort of discussion a thousand times with different folks, and know the sort of arguments that are usually presented to defend the "cyclists should get off the road" viewpoint - so they are already ready for them and sometimes start defeating them before they even come.
And, truthfully, they have a reason to be upset, even with a polite letter like yours. Galen explained why a few posts earlier.