[SDCBC] Gilman / I-5 interchange

[Serge Issakov]

When motorists encounter a cyclist up ahead where they don't expect to
see one, like in the the center of the rightmost through lane that's
to the left of one or two right turn only lanes, I think many are
confused about what to do.  Some would argue it's lack of training; I
would argue it's lack of experience.  To be fair, motorists just don't
have many opportunities to encounter, and get accustomed to, cyclists
up ahead in their lane (hmm, what can we do to help change this?)

This is one of the benefits of using a mirror.  You can see the
motorists approaching from behind, and learn when the right time is to
snap them out of their trance: use a slow/stop signal, stand up, look
back at them, whatever.  It only takes a fraction of a second, and
almost without fail, they will slow down and avoid doing something
wacky like try to pass you on the left in the center median and then
right hook you.  I really believe that often, unless you do something
like that to indicate to them that you think they should slow down, it
will simply not occur to them on their own to slow down, especially if
they are on a normal route trying to get home in a hurry, and driving
on "auto pilot".  I mean, show me someone who has never been there,
and I'll show you someone who doesn't drive...

KNOW (per 21202/21208: "approaching a place where a right  turn is
authorized") it's your right to be there, BELIEVE it your right to be
there, and, most importantly, let THEM know you know and believe this.
 Your behavior and body language are the most critical communication
tools you have to convey this to them, but they are useless if your
mind has not yet bought into it...

Serge