Originally Posted by
jtarver
The only thing worse than a cop is an off duty cop. I'm in ATX also, and I claim the lane, the whole lane, to dissuade people from trying to squeeze by. Yes, people honk and yell, even when there is no traffic in the left lane, but hey, people honk and yell no matter what I do. I'm generally looking to ease the traffic flow for everybody on the road, some folks just don't see it that way.
I'm in Austin also. I command the lane if the lane isn't wide enough for both a car and myself to be in the same lane. The law says that a biker may acquire the lane if there is not enough space.
For example, on the drag, once you pass UT going north, I usually command the entire lane. However, Further down Guadalupe after 38th, I'll share the lane.
Downtown I always claim the right lane, sometimes far left in one way traffic. I've noticed it's safer. Most people downtown have been respectful, however some students get pissed off on other roadways, usually at odd hours.