Blog of a discontent conforming noncomformist

Practicing lane control is one of the best ways to stay safe while driving a bike. Yes, some motorists will get annoyed and yell at you to use the sidewalk. These people have hate issues with anybody who does anything different from what they do. That said, I prefer to use the term controlling the lane as opposed to using the term taking the lane. There is nothing to take. Control of the lane belongs to whoever is there first, whether they are driving a car or a bicycle. I found this article to be quite informative, even though the archaic term taking the lane is used, instead of controlling the lane.

I know that from experience that sidewalk riding can be way more dangerous that riding in the street. I have lost count of how many times I almost was broadsided by drivers who were not paying attention to what was going on around them. That is why I took to riding in the road. Yes there are occasions where I still ride on the sidewalk. But they are few and far between.