I don't want to come off as some kind of VC zealot. It just seems to me that if one rides like one belongs on the road, most motorists will react accordingly. If you're in the middle of the lane, they don't really have a choice. To me it's just a practical thing (and not a matter of politcal activism, or the taking on of the mantle of educating the motoring public); I just want to get there safely. If I have a good shoulder to ride on or a good alternate route at peak traffic times, that's where I'll be. But if I do have to take the lane, and can do so without causing a major tie up, I do it.

BTW, some of Christchurch looks a lot like some parts of DC--from the other side of the road of course .