Riding correctly increases my chances of getting hit
New rider here. I've been riding pretty much every day since I bought my first bike about two months ago, and I'm having fun. But there's something I've been noticing the more I ride, and I'm not sure if it's just me or if this is a real thing.
This mostly happens on the highway, but I've seen it on local roads too. When I ride "correctly"—staying in my lane, keeping pace with traffic, being predictable—I feel like I'm constantly dealing with close calls. People cutting me off, merging into my lane, brake-checking me (pickup trucks). Nothing crazy, but enough to notice a pattern.
But when I ride more aggressively—moving faster than the flow of traffic, filtering when I can—I'm never in a spot long enough for someone to merge into me. I'm just... not there to be hit.
I know we're basically invisible to drivers, especially when they're texting or scrolling TikTok. But it's wild to me that the "safe" way to ride feels more dangerous than the "spirited" way.
I don't even know what point I'm trying to make anymore haha. Just curious if any other new riders have noticed this, or if this is just part of the learning curve. I’m Open to all thoughts!