[outlaw]

Originally Posted by tuccillo

I have seen a police department video that makes that suggestion. Bike clubs also suggest "owning the lane" under certain circumstances. The classic example is a two-lane road with a curve and double solid lines. Without "owning the lane", a car may attempt to pass you, illegally, by only partially using the left hand lane. If a car from the other direction suddenly appears you may be squeezed off the road or clipped by the passing car as he attempts to avoid a head-on collision. By the "owning the road", the passing car will often wait until a straightaway, and it is legal to pass, since they would have to fully move into the left hand lane. I have seen this happen more times than you would believe. Most experienced cyclists will move into the middle of the lane on a two-lane road around curves because to do otherwise is dangerous as there are too many drivers who violate the law.

I can assure you that nobody wants to play chicken with cars. To the contrary, the concept of "owning the road" is motivated by increasing safety. Any motorist that becoming "irate" about sharing the road with cyclists is a hazard to themselves and everyone else they share the road with. Unfortunate by true.

Good point on turns.