Wolfgang,
My Road ID bears the inscription: "WE ARE TRAFFIC, DAMN IT!".
Our regional (perhaps national) road culture is such that cyclists are not yet welcomed, much less respected, members of the road going community. That we "block traffic" suggests that we are not considered part of the mix that is traffic. That is where we are, still, despite the substantial efforts of cycling advocates across the nation. That is our current reality.
I read an interesting Star Ledger article yesterday that was posted on the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition website. The focus of the piece touched the issue raised by your experience. It reads, in part:
The easiest way to reduce deaths and accidents is enforce laws that cover both cyclists and drivers, said Cyndi Steiner, New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition executive director. But civilians and police have to know what the law says first.
"Enforcement of current laws directed at both drivers and cyclists is the easiest first step," Steiner said. "But
we continually see that the police are not aware of the laws that dictate cyclists' use of the road, and both
cyclists and drivers tend to get away with dangerous behavior."
Infrastructure such as separated bike lanes, protected bike lanes, and signs that "reflects cyclists' legitimate
use of the road," would help, Steiner said.
The entire piece is here:
http://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/10/adults_making_up_the_majority_of_cyclists_killed_i.html#incar t_river
Cyclists operating on public road ways have all of the rights and responsibilities as those who operate motorized vehicles. We have to obey the same rules. In order to become respected members of the road going community, we have to act like respectable members of that community. If you are traveling down a highway where bicycling is permitted, then it is your right to be there. If traffic conditions are such that you reasonably believe should take the lane for your personal safety, and you can do so lawfully, then you may do so. If you do so, and you are in front do someone who does not understand your right to be there, or you are chastised by a law enforcement officer who directs you off of the road, then you will hear about it. That you hear from them does nothing to alter the reality of your right to exist and to use that roadway - properly, lawfully, and safely.
So what is lawfully? Let's go to the video tape:
New Jersey Statute 39:4-14.2, 39:4-10.11 Operating Regulations.
Every person riding a bicycle on a roadway shall ride as near to the right roadside as practicable exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. A bicyclist may move left under any of the following conditions: 1) To make a left turn from a left turn lane or pocket; 2) To avoid debris, drains, or other hazardous conditions on the right; 3) To pass a slower moving vehicle; 4) To occupy any available lane when traveling at the same speed as other traffic; 5) To travel no more than two abreast when traffic is not impeded, but otherwise ride in single file. Every person riding a bicycle shall ride in the same direction as vehicular traffic.
In New Jersey, the law states a bicyclist must obey all state and local automobile driving laws. A parent may be held responsible for the child’s violation of any traffic law.
So, could you move left to turn left? Yes. Could you move left and then travel in that lane until you reached the turn? Yes, but only if you are able to travel at the same speed as the balance of the traffic on the road so as not to impede the flow of traffic. So if those laws were obeyed by you, then it appears that you were acting in a lawful manner. In that case, a kind and respectful letter to the Chief of Police, with a copy to the Mayor, describing your experience might be in order. The Chief needs to ensure that his officers are properly trained, and the Mayor needs to know that there are cyclists who commute on his busy roadway so that he may consider the public safely issues and whether infrastructure or other changes are called for.
But we have to be careful not to be hypocritical or self-righteous. And I am speaking for myself. I aspire to commute daily. I love to ride. It enriches my life. It is a great way to be in the world and to interact with it up close and personal. I enjoy the ability to get to work through the snarl of urbanish traffic quicker than I can by car (by unlawfully passing on the right). I love being able to cross through intersections with out having to wait for lights (by unlawfully riding across the walkway without dismounting). And I occasionally respond to motorists disrespect with the universal one-fingered salute of dissatisfaction accompanied by a chorus of verbal bile.
Do I get the frustration and concern? Yes. Do I want others to act differently towards me on the road? Yes. Do I need to act differently while on the road? Obviously. So I am left weeping: "Can't we all just get along?" Abiding by the law, and I'm speaking about me and everyone else on the road, would move us all in that direction. Keep hope, and yourself, alive!
Bud
P.S. They had two 2015 Peaks at Cycle Craft. Heading there to get my brakes adjusted (again) and I will be asking for a test ride on one while I'm there.
Part of my home commute is on a short 2 lane road US-46. I have to get from the shoulder to the left side to merge onto the left turn lane. 
