OK folks, first rule: do NOT post any comments or debates in this thread. There are already plenty of heated debate threads on the subject to choose from. This is obviously a divided subject on BF and I'm just curious to see where the majority lies.

So here's the question: there's a fine, clean shoulder next to the lane. It's wide enough to accommodate a bike. The law allows you to ride in the lane instead of the shoulder if you so choose. It's a country road, low to moderate car traffic going 40 to 50 MPH.

Do you choose to ride in the shoulder or take up the lane?