Long thread -
perhaps others have offered up similar answers, -- but i will say: It all depends on the condition and intended use of the "bike lanes"
If its a true bike lane i'll take it , but if it has morphed into a MUP with dogs, strollers, senior citizens doing some power walking - etc etc - i'll take the road (all those other users have a right to use that lane too )
If its basically a shoulder thats marked "bike lane" but is full of trash, glass, etc -- again, i'll take the road but have the space there as a bailout if i get buzzed
I do admit to being a bit more timid now as a chubby 51 y/o man , than i was as a fit USCF licensed racer just a few years back though. I take my mountain bike out a lot and as such , im more apt to hug the right side as i'm travelling at 10-12 mph now and not 20 mph