• I do see what you mean here. The problem is that you want others to take the lane and be a vehicular cyclist like you, while they want to make use of the cycle lane that's been provided. The merits of both positions have been discussed at length and in detail elsewhere, but I think it's worth reiterating that not everyone is comfortable being a vehicular cyclist and the lack of provision for them is one of the main things holding cycling back.

    Remember that 'being a vehicular cyclist' is not actually the sort of clichéd (and nonsensical) position it is often made out to be. At its essence, it is simply 'operating a pedal cycle in accordance with the laws for drivers of vehicles'. This includes things like not jumping red lights, not riding on footways, etc., and those are things with which a broad range of bike users agree no matter what their politics are. (Quite a few people who would call themselves 'vehicular cyclists' are blissfully unaware of this and jump red lights, etc.)

    That the spotlight always shines on taking the lane as seemingly the signature technique of vehicular cycling, when it is just one of a number, is quite a distraction from the real meaning and the insight inherent in vehicular cycling advice. When you ride vehicularly, you're not obliged to take the lane; rather, you do your own risk assessment, and based on that, will probably take the lane more often than others whose risk assessment is not informed by the same sources, but that's where the differences end.

    To suggest, as many do (you (ffm) seem to imply something like this, but I'm sure it's not what you mean), that there must exist some sort of absolute divide between cycle users based solely on their willingness to apply this technique is nonsense. Even the most timid rider will find it useful where their risk assessment demands it, and of course cycle trainees find time and time again that it is actually quite easy to apply. Even the most confident rider will opt to ride in the secondary position at times.

    Let's not get too distracted by labels. :)

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