Originally Posted by
gcottay
Thanks for asking.
I think most of the time, hearing approaching traffic out in the country is just a reminder to pay attention and be predictable.
Some rural roads, otherwise great for riding, also have areas of horrid visibility. One particular road I enjoy is heavily wooded, has some tight curves that drivers take too fast, a series of abrupt grade changes creating blind spots, and little traffic. It's in those spots, under conditions where you hear the car or truck long before they can me, that I will ease onto the sand and gravel shoulder.
I agree with the hearing though I tend to do the opposite. When I hear a car approaching I take the whole lane. In a corner I will ride out more toward the centre so that I come into the drivers increased line of site. Then I can hear the car slow down. If I don't hear it slow I at least have the option of dodging right. But usually you hear the car slow. Now you are in control and when the car is right on you just kindly move over or even stop, sometimes when I see the corner clear I'll wave the driver on.. That's the law in my state, slower vehicles pull over when safe to do so. The reason why I try to control the traffic like that is because if you are 2 inches on the edge of the pavement in a corner (or straight way) then you are giving the driver the split second opportunity to pass you and if there is on coming traffic I'm quite sure the driver would chose to hit you rather then a car head on.
I ride rural roads like the OP's every single day and this technique was intuitive to me and seems to work out fine. Oh and another thing. If you are going to commute every day then chances are the traffic you encounter will also be commuting at the same time so they will get used to you. Get out there and make a presence and wave a friendly wave to every car you encounter.