Riding on Busy Roads - Avoiding Close Shaves?

I have been commuting for approximately 6 years in London. I changed my route about 2 years ago and have felt more unsafe than ever before. (The alternative routes are worse.)

Some of the route involves two way roads with street parking on both sides. The road narrows and widens forcing road traffic to compete with cycle traffic.

I normally ride quite defensively to avoid vehicles from passing on narrow parts. When possible and safe to do so, I make room for a vehicle to overtake.

One particular part is an exit of a roundabout into a narrow road (with street parking). In the past few months several cars at the exit have narrowly forced themselves past me and forced me either to slam on the brakes or swerve within millimetres of the parked car to avoid being hit.

Questions - How can I avoid this? Should I stop and let all vehicle traffic past? Should I ride wider out of the exit to block out cars? Can I report their driving to the police without video evidence?

I want to try be civil without getting run over.

Well, this is a predictable answer from me but these kinds of questions and situations are exactly what Cycle Training is all about. And we have our own dear Cycle Training sub forum on LFGSS

http://www.lfgss.com/forum49.html

The point I would make though is that it is possible to give good general advice, and you seem to be on the ball about the possible options already, but there is no substitute for doing it.
I don't know where you live but most London boroughs provide free or heavily subsidised training. Feel free to contact me or SkyDancer if you want more information.

Thanks for the suggestion. I guess I am trying to determine if I am at fault (as a cyclist) or this is just reckless driving by motorists. It feels like the later but trying to hear from others on the best strategy.

taking on cycle training doesn't mean that you are the party at fault, it simply serves to help you combat the other party's faults.

If someone over takes you when it isn't safe to do so, it isn't your fault. Normally the best advice is to ride in such a way that it prevents people from taking the chance, and that usually means riding further out.
That is simplistic though, and is best covered as Wiganwill says with a cycle training lesson.

Have been working on the new National Standards Level 3 Syllabus,
this is a resume of the compulsory points that simplifies things, basically what most of us are doing every day. These can be read and translated into action.

Holding a line. Maintaining effective transit.
3.1 In busy traffic as a prerequisite no weaving, entering /leaving gaps at side of road is understanding advanced road positioning, being a road user with same status as every other.
4.0/ 6.0 Passing queuing traffic (filtering) always on right side. 3 reasons for this:- drivers unlikely to open right door, avoiding blind spots, 360 degree view of whole road.
5.1 Where road narrows ahead, checking back, taking lane in advance if necessary.
4.3/ 5.1/ 5.2 Where right indicating turning vehicles are stationary, and moving traffic feeds through narrow gaps, checking back then taking a place in that traffic stream.
5.1 When passing side roads, checking back, taking the lane to avoid fast exiting vehicles.
5.2 When lanes split like V’s ahead, checking back, taking lane and advanced line in your direction.
7.0 Avoiding poor road surfaces, gutter cycling.
Bicycle Body Language. Behaviour breeds behaviour, how to get given equality on the road.
1.5 Gesturing acknowledgement on approach to buses indicating immanent departure from stops.
4.6 Anticipating traffic lights changing back to red from green, freewheeling whilst maintaining primary position and place in traffic stream.
3.2 Maintaining place in traffic stream 3 or 4 vehicles back from traffic lights.
Face use, direct eye contact moving at speed of traffic.
Acknowledge other road users who yield space at points of congestion, junctions or roundabouts with queuing traffic streams.
Give acknowledgement when flashed for moving position on major to minor road junction turns.

I want to try be civil without getting run over.

Well said.

It's hard to get the balance right with taking the lane, sometimes a problem spot can make us ride less assertively next time, if we just can't face asserting in the space properly. I try to remember that a smile and a wave goes a long way. Get into position early enough, and do it with a backward glance, friendly wave etc to any motor near behind, maybe even a thumbs up after the junction if they show consideration for your need to take the lane.

I constantly have to improve taking the lane at the right times, and with good body language. Had a scare recently on the South Circular taking the right lane late.