Another thing to remember is that there's a "balance of fear" out there. Motorists are just as afraid of hitting us as we are. How many of them do you really think want to go through the hassle of police reports, cleaning blood off the bumper, collision shops, insurance and all that?
+1.
Most drivers, if given a choice, do
not want to hit a bicyclist. Sometimes, we need to remember that we need to give them that choice. That means riding in a predictable manner, signaling properly and advertising your intentions prominently.
It also means that if you feel like you need to take a lane, then take it. Do not feel guilty if a driver is being slowed down. Do not feel bad if they have to manuever out of your way. You have a right to that road just as much as they do. It is their responsibility to drive around you. Not yours to let them drive past.