Never EVER be passive. Loud pipes and all that other passive "bravo sierra" stuff--counting on someone else's actions to keep you safe--will get you hurt or killed or worse. Be the aggressor, and do your best to own the road in a legal manner. Constant shuckin' and jivin' and ropadopin' is the order of the day. If you like cruisin' you are probably cruisin' towards a bruisin'. All my humble opinion of course.
FWIW, FNG
PS--I'm new to bikes but not to the road.
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GITTY UP!
Yes, that IS a stupid question.