Originally Posted by
Helmet Head
That doesn't matter, since the merger (the cyclist) has to yield, which is the main point of this thread.
If the driver who has the right of way happens to decide to yield to the cyclist, so the cyclist can merge left into the narrowing lane in front of him, that's nice, but it's not his duty or obligation.
If I am well in front of a motorist, and there is plenty of room... I will signal and take the lane. That he has to slow down at some point should not be an issue. In a case like that I don't have to yield and there should be no doubt in the motorists mind that I am in the right place. (you would do the same thing when making a left turn with approaching traffic in a lane to your left, )