So almost had my first bike accident, due to some assjack!

[Crucial]

There's no use arguing about whether the guy in the car is right or wrong. When you're riding a motorcycle you need to watch out for yourself. This is why you don't move to the far left when turning right. It doesn't give the idiot in the car the chance to pass on the right. Stay in the middle of the lane and make the turn at whatever speed you need to take it at. It will keep you alive much longer. Not every turn has to be made like your on a race track.

 

[drnickriviera]

Originally posted by: Deeko
Yea, the bikers have a GREAT reason to be in the middle of the road where I can't go around them. Wait....no they usually don't, not around here anyway. Just yesterday there were 4 of them going in a pack down the middle of the street. Now, had they all been on the side, it wouldn't have been a problem, but they were just chillin next to each other. I'm sure their desire to chat while they ride is much more important than holding up traffic on a busy city street.

Just a couple of months ago a cyclist died when a tractor trailer passed him at full speed. I don't know if he was sucked into the trailer or simply lost control.

So I'd say yes they do have a good reason to ride in the middle of the road. It's to force people like you to pass them in the opposite lane because:

A. People don't see cyclist on the far right and run them over
B. People see them, but pass them at full speed 1' away from them
C. Many streets are not swept, there are lots of rocks and broken glass that will easily flatten a road bike tire.