Not a Sideshow

I’ve been taking the lane more and more. In the beginning I was timid and concerned with being polite. However there are drivers who think- no matter what- bikes should be as far to the right as possible. No matter the door zone, pothole, debris, or gutter situation. They’re always eager to push bikes further off to the margins of the road. There have been many moments like this:

The Sideshow

Which frequently resulted in large vehicles squeezing by me with mere inches to spare. But enough was enough- I got tired of being a sideshow act on the road. I take the full lane and stay safe. Of course that doesn’t stop the honking.

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49 comments

  • Ruth February 8, 2013  

    Claim the lane!!! Be deaf to their honking! (They claim that they can’t see you, anyway). Smile at them when they cuss at you!

  • BHNelson January 15, 2016  

    Taking the lane, at least in Maine, is the law (though few realize it): we have a 3′ buffer law and, since I take up two feet just by existing, that means 5′ of the lane is unavailable to cars. Most lanes in Maine are the 10′ sort: since only Smart cars take up less than 6′, that means there are virtually no cars that can legally share the lane with me. By moving into the lane, you make it unmistakable that this is the truth, and they are forced to do what the law says they must: pass you safely (by changing lanes, if necessary). All you are doing by taking the lane is encouraging good decision-making on the part of drivers.

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