Originally Posted by
ChipSeal
To be seen at a distance, and securing the motorist's attention, is precisely why taking the lane makes this situation safer.
A distracted or speeding motorist will unconsciously dismiss a shoulder or fog line cyclist as a hazard because he is "out of the way". But when the cyclist is in the middle of the lane (In the way) the motorist's subconscious throws a red flag and draws full attention to "the hazard".
A centered in the lane cyclist is instantaneously understood to be a slow moving obstruction that must be contended with- either slowing to his speed or altering the path of the car. A large object in their lane is never overlooked.
On high speed roads, being in the way is safer than being out of the way.