Cycling in Waterloo Region

[timc]

As a vehicular cyclist, I find that it is easier to take the lane with cars than it is to use a bike box.

I'm not sure what you mean?  I see using the bike box as part of taking the lane.  For example, when turning left, the bike box allows you to enter the left turn lane, when it might be difficult to do so due to a line of traffic blocking you between the bike lane and the left turn lane.  

I mean that if I want to turn left, I will move to the left turn lane before I get to the intersection. I find that easier than trying to use a bike box, likely because drivers don't understand how to drive around bike boxes.