Anyway, I was watching out for people taking close passes (thanks to this thread). Almost all people were waiting and using an appropriate time to go round. Some people going fully over onto the other side of the road. But there were 2 people who pushed their way through when I was going past small crossing islands with bollards that are built in the middle of the road. There was barely room for them to pass and it left me with no space to maneuver if needed.
So, what should I do? Take a more primary position every 300 yards then move back. Stay in primary throughout which would p*ss people right off. Or just keep to the left without gutter riding and hope for peoples better judgment?
Don't assume or rely on folk 'playing nice'. Assume you're in a good secondary on approach to your bollards. Lots of rear observation from a good way out as you approach the pinch point, sometimes a "Paddington Bear Hard Stare" may be needed if a complete nobber is crowding you, then, well before the pinch point, deep breath, "life saver" over the shoulder, signal if you want to, and judge it wise, and then claim primary. Own it, own the damn thing, it's yours, it belongs to you, you are now in control, so hold on to it like your life depends on it. Force chummy behind to make a choice; drive through and over you, or round the wrong side of the bollards/refuge, to get past. And trust me, one day someone will go all buffalo gals* on you. And when they do, you shake your head, and smile cos you've powned their ass and they are a nobber. Ignore the revving engines, ignore any horns and flashing head lights they are all just signs of a small manhood. And when it is safe, and only then, gracefully slide back into secondary, and nice little wave of, or thumbs up on right hand as they pass you safely. And abuse from passenger door window. Ignore it. Shake your head and smile. You powned them too.
*First buffalo gal go around the outside
'Round the outside, 'round the outside
(You know it)
Two buffalo gals go around the outside
'Round the outside, 'round the outside
Three buffalo gals go around the outside
(Baaa, baaa, ba, ba)
Four buffalo gals go around the outside
(Baaa)