Jeff's reply (forwarded):
I'm not sure I can picture the situation exactly, but that inner lane, next to the parking lane, is fairly narrow if I recall correctly. DOT standards note that a full standard lane that can accommodate both an mv and an energy-conserving cyclist must be a minimum of 14' wide. Anything narrower, and the cyclist has the right to claim the whole lane. Was he able to pass you in your lane by more than 3', while allowing you at least 3' clearance to the beginning of the gutter? If not, then he was violating your rights and safety.
I'm sure that lane is NOT 14' wide, and that the driver, since HE was in the lane where a turning vehicle, not you, was impeding traffic, is required to wait behind the stopped vehicle until you are safely past. He can then move behind you, and then move left to pass you in the left lane.
You have the right to occupy the center of that right-hand lane (and better yet, slightly to the left of center) because it is not wide enough to safely accommodate both an mv and an environmentally superior cycle.
I'm quite sure there is something written in the drivers' handbook and/or the BFW cyclist handbook about situations where the lane is narrow. I have copies of it in my handlebar bag at home. (Call me if you'd like be to bring one downtown - our home computer has been knocked out by a virus.) We are entitled to the full lane where hazards like potholes, partial obstructions, or narrow pavement makes it too hazardous to allow an mv to move in with us.
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