Thanks for the tips, gang. I won't stick my knee out.

Has anyone actually used the safety flag? Does it make a difference??

I (possibly) made a mistake, I told my wife about the close call with the dumptruck, now she doesn't want me to commute anymore.

I understand the "take the lane" philosophy and try to use it but it is a double edge sword that can sometimes antagonize drivers.

Doug

If the choice is antagonizing them or letting them endanger your safety, antagonize away. They'll get over it. You're responsible for your own safety, not for their happiness.

I used to use the Herman's safety flag (wing). It worked fairly well. However, when I started using Panniers 100% of the time, it seamed the safety wing barely stuck a few inches beyond. I just drifted away from using it. There is one "major-urban-collector" road on my winter commute that I hate. Interestingly, it is called Pleasant Hill Road. It is anything but pleasant. It has many industrial businesses and construction trucks. Last week an 18 wheeler blew his air-horn for me to get out of his way... Pretty intimidating. It's hard to build-up a thick skin... but it develops the more you ride.

Come January when she wants to fly to Hawaii to escape the winter blues, tell her planes are not safe and you don't want her flying anymore.

Life isn't safe. Accept it and move forward.

Generally speaking, sticking any part of your body out in traffic is a bad idea. I try to take more lane when possible, and so far have not had any problems. Surprisingly, most drivers I've encountered have been patient and courteous which for north NJ is miraculous. Make yourself visible, use lights (even in daylight) and avoid dark colors for clothing.

Tap on my window with that little thing and you'll end up in jail...after you get out of the hospital where they had to remove it, and probably my boot, from your butt. Don't be an idiot.

I find if I look over my shoulder just before a vehicle passes, the driver tends to give me more room.

Do that where i live and the drivers first reaction will be to put you into a curb.

You folks lack humor. Did any of you read the link?

Kennesaw's claim to fame is they require you to own a gun if you are a resident and legally able (not a felon etc). They don't actual enforce the ordnance but it is the law.

Despite that web pages claim Kennesaw has one of the lowest crime rates anywhere. People actually walk around with holstered guns on the town square.

We walked around with unconcealed firearms when I lived in NM and AZ, it ain't no big thang
But I did miss your link and the fact that you were attempting humor (you wouldn't believe some of the numbnuts round here who would say that and be serious!). Try smilies...