Actually, that's one of my traffic tips for noobs. Too often guys who are new on the road will get scared by passing traffic and edge too close to the right edge. This is bad for a couple of reasons - first the bad pavement / no shoulder problem, and second because it encourages unsafe passing by the motorist who thinks s/he can squeeze by with oncoming traffic.

So, get out in the lane where it's safe. Ride in the right hand tire track, and when traffic comes up, do a bit of wobbling out to your left (not the right!). Cars will give you more room and you'll be safer.