Originally Posted by
livedarklions
I don't vent, I ride FRAP, interpreting practicable to mean not so far right to be in driver's blind spot, and if they have to wait some number of seconds before they can pass safely, so be it. I'm not going out of my way to be a PITA, but I'm going to exercise all of my rights on a road. I do see filtering up as being a good method for avoiding blind spots, so I will ignore laws that discourage it. Whether drivers understand it or not, I've found it actually facilitates a safe pass as the drivers can see exactly where I am.
Y'know, as a driver, I'm sure I've spent more time waiting for someone to turn their car into the Dunkin Donuts drive through than I have for cyclists.
In some states (Alaska is one of them) there is a requirement for vehicles to move over if there is more than 5 cars backed up behind them on certain roadways. I like the concept behind that. While I may have a "right" to tow my boat on a winding mountain road, Alaska has recognized that others have a "right" to travel at the speed limit. It's common sense. It's common sense in certain circumstances where cyclists are involved as well. I get it though, some people are very important to themselves. That's why states have to create laws like Alaska's.
Just like I do when I drive, I ride with a cooperative mindset. I don't let my "right" to be on the road stand in the way of being polite to other road users.
I am not quite understanding the filtering and blind spots comment. It's this simple with me. I won't filter if my doing so may slow the drivers I just passed. Period. Cutting in line is rude and selfish. If a cyclist does it to me while I'm driving, I certainly won't go out of my way to make a courteous pass when the time comes.
Most motorist's indignation over bicyclists is inconsistent with the amount of inconvenience they "suffer" over the cyclists. Much ado about nothing in most cases. Motorists have every right to be pissed if a cyclist cuts in line though. Just like a person would be just in being upset if someone cut in line at the grocery store.