Forbes contributor gets it!
#1
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From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Forbes contributor gets it!
I don't necessarily agree with everything in the article, but for the most part it's pretty spot on. I use the full lane for my safety, period. Motorist convenience comes second. I try to accommodate motorist safe passing as much as possible, but I will not risk my own safety to do so.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carlton.../#547141e924f8
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carlton.../#547141e924f8
#3
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
The statement about 99 out of 100 cyclists "tucking back in" i.e. moving back to the edge, to allow motorists to pass. While the statement itself may be true as most cyclists probably do that, I do not agree with riding in that manner. If the lane is too narrow to share, it's too narrow to share, and cyclists shouldn't be weaving back and forth between an edge position and primary position. I keep primary position by default, and hold a straight line, UNLESS the lane widens and I can safely move farther right to allow cars to pass in the same lane, or a wide shoulder opens up or whatever. Otherwise if the lane is narrow motorists must change lanes to pass.
#4
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Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
#5
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
#6
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Bikes: 2015 Workswell 066, 2017 Workswell 093, 2014 Dawes Sheila, 1983 Cannondale 500, 1984 Raleigh Olympian, 2007 Cannondale Rize 4, 2017 Fuji Sportif 1 LE
Umm ... no. it states, and you admit, that "tucking back in" is what 99 percent of cyclists Are doing. That is the :"fact" and you even attest to it.
it is Your Opinion that they should not be doing that. that's the opinion.
it is Your Opinion that they should not be doing that. that's the opinion.
#7
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Joined: Oct 2007
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The statement about 99 out of 100 cyclists "tucking back in" i.e. moving back to the edge, to allow motorists to pass. While the statement itself may be true as most cyclists probably do that, I do not agree with riding in that manner. If the lane is too narrow to share, it's too narrow to share, and cyclists shouldn't be weaving back and forth between an edge position and primary position. I keep primary position by default, and hold a straight line, UNLESS the lane widens and I can safely move farther right to allow cars to pass in the same lane, or a wide shoulder opens up or whatever. Otherwise if the lane is narrow motorists must change lanes to pass.
#8
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Joined: Oct 2007
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what do you say you do something useful ? as in, get a job.
#10
Tragically Ignorant

Joined: Jun 2018
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From: New England
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
i have, by my estimation, about 75,000 cycling miles, including many years of cycle commuting, where this topic would be mostly applicable. saying that, i completely agree with this post regarding cyclists' riding protocol; first and foremost, be predictable by staying in the lane, holding the line, and moving to the right where road and traffic conditions warrant. this guy gets it.
I find I eliminate about 90% of the "get off the road" jackassery by signaling the shift before I take the lane. It's part of the predictability you mention--makes it clear I'm not just randomly swinging to the left unthinkingly and gives the driver a little warning.
#11
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Joined: Oct 2018
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I personally never occupy the lane. I always ride to the right "tire track". Occupying the lane seems like it is safer but I do not believe that is so.
If a person can't see you or is trying to hit you, riding the middle of the lane increases your odds of getting hit. And if you are concerned about irritating motorists, riding the middle of the lane below the posted speed limit just about guarantees you will irritate them.
Yes, you may get buzzed more often riding in the right but I can handle getting buzzed, getting hit not so much.
If a person can't see you or is trying to hit you, riding the middle of the lane increases your odds of getting hit. And if you are concerned about irritating motorists, riding the middle of the lane below the posted speed limit just about guarantees you will irritate them.
Yes, you may get buzzed more often riding in the right but I can handle getting buzzed, getting hit not so much.
#12
Tragically Ignorant

Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 15,593
Likes: 9,109
From: New England
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
I personally never occupy the lane. I always ride to the right "tire track". Occupying the lane seems like it is safer but I do not believe that is so.
If a person can't see you or is trying to hit you, riding the middle of the lane increases your odds of getting hit. And if you are concerned about irritating motorists, riding the middle of the lane below the posted speed limit just about guarantees you will irritate them.
Yes, you may get buzzed more often riding in the right but I can handle getting buzzed, getting hit not so much.
If a person can't see you or is trying to hit you, riding the middle of the lane increases your odds of getting hit. And if you are concerned about irritating motorists, riding the middle of the lane below the posted speed limit just about guarantees you will irritate them.
Yes, you may get buzzed more often riding in the right but I can handle getting buzzed, getting hit not so much.
The whole point is to take the lane when the car is far enough back to see you're doing it and to slow down accordingly. If you're in the middle of the lane, they can't help but see you. If there's no shoulder or a right turn lane, you're not doing them any favor by hanging out in a blind spot waiting to get hit. I'll bail back to the right as soon as it's safe, but I've gotten pretty adamant about taking the lane after getting hit by a right hook.
#13
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
I personally never occupy the lane. I always ride to the right "tire track". Occupying the lane seems like it is safer but I do not believe that is so.
If a person can't see you or is trying to hit you, riding the middle of the lane increases your odds of getting hit. And if you are concerned about irritating motorists, riding the middle of the lane below the posted speed limit just about guarantees you will irritate them.
Yes, you may get buzzed more often riding in the right but I can handle getting buzzed, getting hit not so much.
If a person can't see you or is trying to hit you, riding the middle of the lane increases your odds of getting hit. And if you are concerned about irritating motorists, riding the middle of the lane below the posted speed limit just about guarantees you will irritate them.
Yes, you may get buzzed more often riding in the right but I can handle getting buzzed, getting hit not so much.
I don't know where you are but I've noticed when I control the lane by default and COMMUNICATE with motorists behind me (if there's no obvious passing lane), they're actually appreciative when they pass and I give them a wave thanks for making a safe pass. And by communicate I mean hand signals to indicate whether or not it's safe to pass at that time, which generally requires a mirror for rearward awareness of when a motorist is approaching.
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