Originally Posted by Helmet Head

I think the difference between integration and segregation can sometimes be more mental than physical. In other words, two cyclists could be riding in the exact same position, and yet one is integrated and the other is segregated.

The difference is how they're thinking and paying attention, and it manifests itself with respect to not what is happening at that very moment, but maybe with respect to what is about to happen.

The integrated one, for example, would probably be aware that the car currently passing him is the last of a platoon, the gap behind that last car is a long one, they are approaching a junction with a midblock mall entrance/exit, there is oncoming traffic with potential left-turners, and he is preparing to merge left as soon as that last car passes him, in order to improve his sight lines to/from that mall entrance, to improve his safety buffer, and to improve his conspicuity to oncoming potential left-crossers and right-crossers traveling in and out of the mall entrance/exit. And most of the processing would be happening instinctively and effortlessly for the integrated cyclist.

A segregated cyclist in the exact same situation is more likely to be simply enjoying the ride, and probably oblivious to most of the traffic hazards that are about to unfold. It probably wouldn't occur to him to move left at this point.