I would say, as you do. Obviously conditions vary but when taking the lane is justified then that is what I do. I suspect you're doing it right. No way am I going to be shoved off into the door zone [kill zone] when someone has one or 2 other lanes to choose from.Rider123 wrote:When you speaking of riding 'big' and assertively, what exactly do you mean?
I normally ride on 2-lane, 3-lane roads (i.e. Cantebury Rd) and when i do so i ride in the left-hand lane (obviously). However, i position myself so i am basically in line with the left wheel of a following car. I try to 'encourage' drivers indirectly to change lanes to get past me and so often is the case. Is that being too 'big' on the road or not 'big' enough?
Thanks
Big - in the UK there's a whole school of thought and published opinion on the theory of BIG which is largely correct IMO, if not a slightly longwinded way of making the point. Be big, be seen, assert your right and presence. [ahh, trailgumby's just added a link. Many thanks]
In Adelaide I regularly ride through our biggest, hairiest roundabouts [it's only that because Australian drivers often have no idea how to negotiate an RAB] where 5 roads intersect at the Britannia Hotel. The way to get through is psychological - sit up in the saddle, hands on brake levers, elbows slightly out, head up and looking for trouble or challenges. The posture is unmistakable: even THINK of getting in my way and I'm coming in through the windscreen to rip your throat out!!! As a cyclist you have few defenses, so psychology is important; if you look uncertain, or unsure of where you're going then car drivers will, without another thought, push past or pull out in front of you. I point lane changes and turns clearly, aggressively marking my space so there can be no misunderstanding. etc etc