On Friday, October 24, 2014 9:21:02 PM UTC-4, JoeRiel wrote:
Sir Ridesalot writes:

In the instance of the 18 wheeler, me and a very narrow bridge, when I
decided to leave tthe road to avoid getting run down by that truck
that was gaining on me and not slowing; I was told that Ishould have
maintained center lane position and the truck would have to slow
before running me over and I was also told that if I was so scared
about riding lane center in such instances that perhaps I shouldn't
even be riding on the road!

I'm no expert on vehicular cycling, but I don't believe the
recommendation is to wait until you reach a bottleneck (narrow bridge)
to "take the lane". That is, if you've already conceded the lane, then
you'll have to wait until its safe to do so. Meaning if you look back
while on the right and the truck is bearing down, you probably shouldn't
move left.

--
Joe Riel

I was riding lane center and approaching tthe bridge but still some distance from it when in my rear view helmet mounted mirror I saw that 18 wheeler acoming. I watched it for a few seconds because its trailer wheels were already passt the fogline ande didn't seem to be slowing as he got closer. Knowing that there was no place to bail once on the bridge i elected to bail before getting onto te bridge. Leaving the asphalt at a little over 50 kph was rather interesting but it sure beat getting that run down feeling. I don't think the driver of that truck saw me because he went on by at the same speed he was going when I first spotted him.

Cheers