this is a very interesting question, and one which i discuss frequently with other cyclists...
personally, I believe that in order to be an assertive cyclist in this city, it is very important to be confident, and (this might be controversial)... FAST.
I think that if you maintain an assertive position on the road, then you must be able to keep a relatively high-speed in order to not aggravate drivers. I mean, i hate even saying that - it is their responsibility as drivers to think of our well-being and respect our right to the road, however, this is not always the case as I'm sure many of us have learned the hard way.
I basically do a combo of the two... and make sure that if i'm in the situation where I'm holding up a car and CAN pull to the side allowing them space to overtake safely, I will.
I guess it all depends on the rider. My girlfriend is an experienced cyclist, but rides pretty slow, so I've always told her she should stick to the side of the road - and she agrees this works best for her.
this is a very interesting question, and one which i discuss frequently with other cyclists...
personally, I believe that in order to be an assertive cyclist in this city, it is very important to be confident, and (this might be controversial)... FAST.
I think that if you maintain an assertive position on the road, then you must be able to keep a relatively high-speed in order to not aggravate drivers. I mean, i hate even saying that - it is their responsibility as drivers to think of our well-being and respect our right to the road, however, this is not always the case as I'm sure many of us have learned the hard way.
I basically do a combo of the two... and make sure that if i'm in the situation where I'm holding up a car and CAN pull to the side allowing them space to overtake safely, I will.
I guess it all depends on the rider. My girlfriend is an experienced cyclist, but rides pretty slow, so I've always told her she should stick to the side of the road - and she agrees this works best for her.