I'm pointing out that if you think riders must always stay to the right of the white line - as you stated in no uncertain terms above - you are simply wrong.
"Roadway: Bicyclists can ride wherever they want if they’re traveling at the speed of traffic. If traveling slower than the speed of traffic, they can still position themselves wherever in the lane is necessary for safety. The law says that cyclists must ride as close to the right side of the road as safely possible except under the following conditions: when passing, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards, if the lane is too narrow to share, or if approaching a place where a right turn is authorized. CVC 21202"
California Bicycle Coalition » Sharing the road
If a lane becomes so narrow that a car cannot safely pass the rider, the rider can "take the lane", basically a defensive move to prevent a car from making an unsafe pass. That is law too, see above. I personally consider that a pretty rare case, and I will not take the lane unless I am also riding as fast as I physically can, to get out of there soonest. If a rider takes the lane but just mooches along, that is obnoxious.
That said, drivers are obnoxious all the time. Camping in the fast lane, tailgating, driving 40 on the freeway, double parking, speeding, cutting each other off, failing to use pullouts, on and on. I don't often hear of jerks in SUVs ramming another car because that car held him up on a windy road or whatever. Some drivers display their worst qualities when a cyclist is involved. It's a power thing, they think they can act with impunity. In this case, not so.
Quote:
Quote de jyl
The rider's action: Stay to the right to the extent possible.
I don't think we are disputing the 'law', rather the actions of 'pack' riders.
And Trekkor, I love your tile work!
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