Originally Posted by
fordmanvt
Bicycle laws are only useful after something happens. A lot of the public won't know about the law and of those who do, only some will follow them.
I simply ride a foot or two to the left of the white line, often that is right where most people have their passenger side tires. No car can pass me without crossing the drivers side tires over the double yellows. That sends every single driver on the road a clear message.
If they think they can squeak by, they will try it. If you remove that possibility, they will wait or give you plenty of room. Only times I've been passed too close is when I was riding on or to the right of the white line due to road conditions (pot holes, cracks, etc). Just my experience.
This is one of the most important lessons that I've picked up on these forums. If you're just a few inches to the left of the line, it somehow forces cars to take you seriously and pass you carefully, but if you're to the right at all it's an invitation to be passed without any room.