What to do when bike lane is ending
10-13-16, 09:19 AM
#26
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Is that a marked bike lane or a road shoulder? The way it is treated may be different.
There is no reason to "take the lane". From the photo above, there should be plenty of room for a car to slow down, then safely pass a bicycle if the bike is riding in a predictable straight line along the right side of the road. And, if the OP thinks car drivers are annoyed now, what will it be the next time 20 cars are backed up with him in the middle of the lane heading up at 5 MPH. And the more you do that, the more you encourage unsafe passes which is dangerous for everyone including oncoming traffic.
Uphill narrow bridge? Those can be annoying. If that walkway was wider, you could also ride up there, but it appears slightly too narrow. That would be a relatively easy fix though, if the state just widened the walkway by another foot or so, and gave it good access, it might be enough. Uphill narrow stretches an be worse than downhill narrow stretches.
There is a bike lane near me that stops at an interstate overpass w/ an entrance ramp at the end of the overpass. But the bike lane doesn't 'start up' again, for .5mi.. Because of so many inconsistencies like this, it gives me another reason to 'take the lane'. The only inconsistencies in the regular travel lane. Is the condition of the asphalt. Finely paved in some spots, and severely cracked in other spots.
Uphill narrow bridge? Those can be annoying. If that walkway was wider, you could also ride up there, but it appears slightly too narrow. That would be a relatively easy fix though, if the state just widened the walkway by another foot or so, and gave it good access, it might be enough. Uphill narrow stretches an be worse than downhill narrow stretches.
10-13-16, 10:48 AM
#27
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Fellows, here is my main concern. I wouldn't have a problem as much if this was for a short period, but I don't know when the bike lane reappears and I don't know how to find out. I was there yesterday and I decided I would ride until the lane reappeared. On GOOGLE, it looks like it reappears right away. But the last 2 days I rode for about 1/4 mile or so and didn't see it reappear at all and then got nervous. Because there's really nowhere to stop. What if you get a flat? Could it be that they got rid of the lane? It did look lilt there was some construction, I saw cones around.
10-13-16, 11:00 AM
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I had 2 cars that honked at me, even though I was on the right side of the highway, trying to climb uphill a bit. It was frustrating and scary.
And then I turned around because I wanted to get out of this mess. As I reached the bike lane, there was still a car that honked twice at me, even though I was in my lane. It was a bit demoralizing.
And then I turned around because I wanted to get out of this mess. As I reached the bike lane, there was still a car that honked twice at me, even though I was in my lane. It was a bit demoralizing.
Last edited by mephisto2k2; 10-13-16 at 11:04 AM.
10-13-16, 11:03 AM
#29
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So I looked up where this spot is and it's right by Tunitas Creek. That is where the bridge is. On Google, it shows the lane reappearing right away. But when I went there twice and kept riding, I saw no lane reappear. I'm wondering if they took it out.
10-13-16, 11:24 AM
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Ben
10-13-16, 11:40 AM
#31
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Ate you headed north or south? There is a turn lane just south of the bridge. On the northbound side there is a small shoulder. You have to either take the lane or not, in this case while on the bridge I would take the lane, go as fast as I can, then ride the white line past the bridge. Those look like shoulders to me, sometimes OK to ride in sometimes not.
As far as breakdowns, if you are southbound, stop at the side of the road, get off your bike, then cross the road when safe and get on the little sidewalk and walk off the bridge either carrying your bike or rolling it on the edge of the roadway. This looks like pretty standard rural riding stuff to me. One huge complication is that you are only 35 miles of so south of the SF area. The traffic density is likely high and drivers more impatient than most, but that's just what its like near major metro areas. You also have lots of RV drivers there, and they are really bad drivers. Many of them have never driven anything bigger than their family sedan, suddenly they retire and think they can handle a big rig. They typically have no idea where they really are on the road, so watch out there, they are dangerous. Although I never knew anyone hit by an RV either.
As far as breakdowns, if you are southbound, stop at the side of the road, get off your bike, then cross the road when safe and get on the little sidewalk and walk off the bridge either carrying your bike or rolling it on the edge of the roadway. This looks like pretty standard rural riding stuff to me. One huge complication is that you are only 35 miles of so south of the SF area. The traffic density is likely high and drivers more impatient than most, but that's just what its like near major metro areas. You also have lots of RV drivers there, and they are really bad drivers. Many of them have never driven anything bigger than their family sedan, suddenly they retire and think they can handle a big rig. They typically have no idea where they really are on the road, so watch out there, they are dangerous. Although I never knew anyone hit by an RV either.
10-13-16, 12:17 PM
#32
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I treat ending bike lanes as I do parked cars. I change direction slightly as soon as I see the need to move left. If I do this soon enough, the change is slight and easy for cars to adapt to. Yes, it does mean I may well be out of the bike lane well before it ends. This pisses some drivers off. I find a lot of truck drivers appreciate it because, though it may inconvenience them, it makes their decisions simple and keeps their driving records clean.
That said, I do not ride Terwilliger hills portion Portland's Barbur Blvd because of two bridges very similar to the photo above. Four lanes that are wider and you can walk (it is even possible to ride) the narrow, high concrete sidewalk. Requires stopping and dismounting.) Riders get killed there regularly, many very experienced. Barbur Blvd is the bicycle highway out of Portland to the southwest, I always take the meandering and several hundred feet hillier Terwilliger parkway for it continuous (and clean) bike lanes, slower and more bike aware traffic and better air (further away and much higher than I-5). Now, I ride that route 50-150 times/year each way; enough that odds will catch up to me. Using simple math, I do not like the Blvd odds.
Ben
That said, I do not ride Terwilliger hills portion Portland's Barbur Blvd because of two bridges very similar to the photo above. Four lanes that are wider and you can walk (it is even possible to ride) the narrow, high concrete sidewalk. Requires stopping and dismounting.) Riders get killed there regularly, many very experienced. Barbur Blvd is the bicycle highway out of Portland to the southwest, I always take the meandering and several hundred feet hillier Terwilliger parkway for it continuous (and clean) bike lanes, slower and more bike aware traffic and better air (further away and much higher than I-5). Now, I ride that route 50-150 times/year each way; enough that odds will catch up to me. Using simple math, I do not like the Blvd odds.
Ben
10-13-16, 12:28 PM
#33
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Is that a marked bike lane or a road shoulder? The way it is treated may be different.
There is no reason to "take the lane". From the photo above, there should be plenty of room for a car to slow down, then safely pass a bicycle if the bike is riding in a predictable straight line along the right side of the road. And, if the OP thinks car drivers are annoyed now, what will it be the next time 20 cars are backed up with him in the middle of the lane heading up at 5 MPH. And the more you do that, the more you encourage unsafe passes which is dangerous for everyone including oncoming traffic.
Uphill narrow bridge? Those can be annoying. If that walkway was wider, you could also ride up there, but it appears slightly too narrow. That would be a relatively easy fix though, if the state just widened the walkway by another foot or so, and gave it good access, it might be enough. Uphill narrow stretches can be worse than downhill narrow stretches.
There is no reason to "take the lane". From the photo above, there should be plenty of room for a car to slow down, then safely pass a bicycle if the bike is riding in a predictable straight line along the right side of the road. And, if the OP thinks car drivers are annoyed now, what will it be the next time 20 cars are backed up with him in the middle of the lane heading up at 5 MPH. And the more you do that, the more you encourage unsafe passes which is dangerous for everyone including oncoming traffic.
Uphill narrow bridge? Those can be annoying. If that walkway was wider, you could also ride up there, but it appears slightly too narrow. That would be a relatively easy fix though, if the state just widened the walkway by another foot or so, and gave it good access, it might be enough. Uphill narrow stretches can be worse than downhill narrow stretches.
1. There should be plenty of room--That would only happen if the cyclist hugs the shoulder
2. The car would slow down---On a cold day in (you know). That is part of California's state highway system, not a two-lane street.
3. Predictable--The only thing about riding predictably, is where a cyclist rides 'predictably' in their lane position and keeping a steady line. Predictability doesn't men
Specifically in terms of the photo. The State of California has a 'give 3ft. when passing' regulation as part of the traffic code. Can't give a cyclist three feet on that bridge without straddling the double-yellow line, or going completely into the opposing lane on that two-lane bridge.
Now, While riding within the language of the state law.....Practicable....why should a cyclist be subservient to the whims of the motorized traffic. Police/Fire/EMS notwithstanding.
10-13-16, 12:41 PM
#34
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I was doing some cycling on Highway 1 in the Half Moon Bay Area. There is a short stretch where the bike lane ends and I believe reappears shortly. But in a situation where I'm reaching the end and there is a car close to me, what do I do? I'm not quite sure how to explain it. Think of it similar to where you're driving a car, merging from the right side and you have to yield.
Its not much different than trying to get into a turn lane.
10-13-16, 12:49 PM
#35
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That's California drivers for you. I've experienced the same many times myself while I lived in CA. Earlier this year I moved from CA to VA and it's so much better here. Every route for me has rolling hills and blind corners and many times I have drivers come up, slow down, stay behind me over the hill and around the corner. No honking and they pass when the road is clear and give plenty of room. It's incredible!.
If it is either of those two, they are much nicer down there
10-13-16, 12:49 PM
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Looking at the van in the top photo, it looks to me as though a cyclist could ride safely in the traffic lane and still have about three feet, assuming the mionivan is about six feet wide.
10-13-16, 06:01 PM
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I live in Richmond. I'm still, several months later, constantly amazed at how courteous drivers are here to cyclists. Example: In California drivers would routinely passed me within 3 feet without slowing down even though there was no oncoming traffic. It hasn't happened here once.
10-13-16, 06:30 PM
#38
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The main problem for me is I don't know when the lane reappears. If I had some kind of idea, I'd have something to work with. But I feel I went close to 1/4 a mile and saw no lane in sight. It really freaked me out.
10-13-16, 07:32 PM
#39
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I live in Richmond. I'm still, several months later, constantly amazed at how courteous drivers are here to cyclists. Example: In California drivers would routinely passed me within 3 feet without slowing down even though there was no oncoming traffic. It hasn't happened here once.
So no bad passes in the dark. As the French say 'C'est la vie'(Such is life).
10-13-16, 09:53 PM
#40
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My experience is the faster the traffic, the greater the need to fully take the lane if it is not wide enough to safely share with all traffic. That said, I will include the shoulder (and beyond*) in my calculation.
*Is it a shoulder I could safely "ride off" if need be, or is there a high curb, guard rail, or 50 foot drop? It matters!
10-13-16, 10:01 PM
#41
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You ride by spinning the pedals.
Sorry but ... back when I started riding, when i wasn't dodging predatory dinosaurs .. . There Were No "Bike Lanes." The whole concept didn't exist. people who road bikes on the road rode bikes on the road. In areas like that, we made ourselves small and let cars pass as they could.
You are upset because people honked at you? What, no one threw anything? No one buzzed you? All they did was honk? You are pretty new to this, aren't you?
Nor do I. If you are really concerned, call the city, show them the photos, explain what a hazard it is. or ... don't go that way. or ... just ride your bike.
You seem to be all upset ... "I was riding as fast as i could! What did they want?" They wanted you not to be there. So ... either decide to let others decide where you can be, or go where you want. There are risks involved in any course of action ... weight he risks, make your choice, own your actions, and then just be a human ... live your life.
Look, No one likes getting honked at. No one likes the feeling when other people dump their negative energy all over us. but that's life. if you let yourself be bullied, you will Always be bullied. The answer, such as it is, is to make your choices and act on them Regardless of what the bullies do.
If you feel a certain stretch of road is too dangerous and you can find a safer alternate route, go the other way. if you cannot, and the danger you face is buttheads yelling at you ... do what seems best.
I figure if people are so stupid they are going to yell stupid things at random strangers, I ought not let them make any life decisions for me. Just as you shouldn't let those obnoxious honkers ... or the obnoxious posters on BF ... make decisions for you.
I hope this isn't going over the line ... but I imagine that what cyclists feel at times like those is what young black men feel about 80 percent of the time.
So ... maybe bolster your spirit with a few choruses of "We Shall overcome:" and ride your bike like an American ... with freedom within the law.
Sorry but ... back when I started riding, when i wasn't dodging predatory dinosaurs .. . There Were No "Bike Lanes." The whole concept didn't exist. people who road bikes on the road rode bikes on the road. In areas like that, we made ourselves small and let cars pass as they could.
You are upset because people honked at you? What, no one threw anything? No one buzzed you? All they did was honk? You are pretty new to this, aren't you?
Nor do I. If you are really concerned, call the city, show them the photos, explain what a hazard it is. or ... don't go that way. or ... just ride your bike.
You seem to be all upset ... "I was riding as fast as i could! What did they want?" They wanted you not to be there. So ... either decide to let others decide where you can be, or go where you want. There are risks involved in any course of action ... weight he risks, make your choice, own your actions, and then just be a human ... live your life.
Look, No one likes getting honked at. No one likes the feeling when other people dump their negative energy all over us. but that's life. if you let yourself be bullied, you will Always be bullied. The answer, such as it is, is to make your choices and act on them Regardless of what the bullies do.
If you feel a certain stretch of road is too dangerous and you can find a safer alternate route, go the other way. if you cannot, and the danger you face is buttheads yelling at you ... do what seems best.
I figure if people are so stupid they are going to yell stupid things at random strangers, I ought not let them make any life decisions for me. Just as you shouldn't let those obnoxious honkers ... or the obnoxious posters on BF ... make decisions for you.
I hope this isn't going over the line ... but I imagine that what cyclists feel at times like those is what young black men feel about 80 percent of the time.
So ... maybe bolster your spirit with a few choruses of "We Shall overcome:" and ride your bike like an American ... with freedom within the law.
10-15-16, 01:31 AM
#42
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I don't use mirrors(at all), or put my hand in this situation. I watch the traffic and wait to merge, until I feel it is safe.
10-15-16, 08:07 AM
#43
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it's pretty bad if you will only ride a bicycle where there's either a dedicated bicycle lane or paved shoulder. Unfortunately as you've found out, those often end with little or now warning. If you're not comfortable riding in traffic then you're stranded when the lane ends.
As far as not know if/wherethe shoulder/bike lane starts again, why not get a friend drive you along that stretch or road and see if the lane does pick up again?
As far as why there's no lane/shoulder on the bridge? The answer is that the bridge is too narrow to have one.
You'rescared to ride that bridge or in the traffic lane? Go to a decent bicycle shop and see if they have someone who'd be willing to teach you how to ride in such conditions. MAny shops have clubs or traffic riding seminars geared towards the newbie or less experience bicyclist. Some shops will start such a course if they only know there's a need for one.
Btw, when leaving a paved shoulder or bicycle lane when it ends goes, treat it exactly like you would if you weere merging with an automobile into a traffic land from any lane thatwas ending. The through traffic has the right of way, signal your intention to merge and then wait for the opening. Check first to be surethat it's a true opening that yo're going to move into and not simply as space between a vehicle and a trailer it's towing. Something I found that really helps cut down on irate drivers is this, I stand on the pedals and get my speed up to what I can maintain. That shows the driver behind methat I'm doing the best I can not to slowthe down any longer than needed. 99+% of drivers here wait patiently until I can safely move over to let them pass.
If you must ride areas such as in your posted images then wear bright coloured clothing and make your intentions know well in advance of doing them. In other words don't wait until the last second and then swerve into the traffic lane to cross that bridge.
Cheers
As far as not know if/wherethe shoulder/bike lane starts again, why not get a friend drive you along that stretch or road and see if the lane does pick up again?
As far as why there's no lane/shoulder on the bridge? The answer is that the bridge is too narrow to have one.
You'rescared to ride that bridge or in the traffic lane? Go to a decent bicycle shop and see if they have someone who'd be willing to teach you how to ride in such conditions. MAny shops have clubs or traffic riding seminars geared towards the newbie or less experience bicyclist. Some shops will start such a course if they only know there's a need for one.
Btw, when leaving a paved shoulder or bicycle lane when it ends goes, treat it exactly like you would if you weere merging with an automobile into a traffic land from any lane thatwas ending. The through traffic has the right of way, signal your intention to merge and then wait for the opening. Check first to be surethat it's a true opening that yo're going to move into and not simply as space between a vehicle and a trailer it's towing. Something I found that really helps cut down on irate drivers is this, I stand on the pedals and get my speed up to what I can maintain. That shows the driver behind methat I'm doing the best I can not to slowthe down any longer than needed. 99+% of drivers here wait patiently until I can safely move over to let them pass.
If you must ride areas such as in your posted images then wear bright coloured clothing and make your intentions know well in advance of doing them. In other words don't wait until the last second and then swerve into the traffic lane to cross that bridge.
Cheers
10-15-16, 12:38 PM
#44
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Well, of course you wait to see if it is safe but looking back and putting out a hand shows intent and you're not just drifting into the lane.
10-15-16, 02:42 PM
#45
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Instead, I watch them to gauge their speed, along with the terrain. So I can pull out without having to make them suddenly hit the brakes.
10-15-16, 11:18 PM
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I'm not gonna stop and wait when I can signal and be allowed in the lane. The key is not waiting until the last moment. Maybe not the first one, but a driver will let you in if you signal and look back. I seriously enjoy interacting with motor traffic in this manner. It's convenient and teaches drivers that cyclists belong!
10-16-16, 12:35 AM
#47
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I'm trying to find out if there's a group that rides Highway 1. I like it, but just cannot put on my big boy pants yet and ride that section on the bridge.
10-16-16, 01:37 PM
#48
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What if it's non-stop traffic with no breaks for you to merge? By "wait" do you mean stop?
I'm not gonna stop and wait when I can signal and be allowed in the lane. The key is not waiting until the last moment. Maybe not the first one, but a driver will let you in if you signal and look back. I seriously enjoy interacting with motor traffic in this manner. It's convenient and teaches drivers that cyclists belong!
I'm not gonna stop and wait when I can signal and be allowed in the lane. The key is not waiting until the last moment. Maybe not the first one, but a driver will let you in if you signal and look back. I seriously enjoy interacting with motor traffic in this manner. It's convenient and teaches drivers that cyclists belong!
But, I absolutely agree with you. Balance problem, or not; Using your hand, or not. I also will not wait until the last moment.
10-16-16, 01:50 PM
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I hate those kinds of bridge pinch points. But, I just ride straight down the edge of the road as fast as possible and let the cars deal with getting around me.
10-16-16, 02:23 PM
#50
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It appears to be just 100 yards. You an just hop off the bike and walk if you don't feel comfortable riding. Walk on the sidewalk... hopefully the bike will fit too, walk it on the road next to you, or carry it.
I hate those kinds of bridge pinch points. But, I just ride straight down the edge of the road as fast as possible and let the cars deal with getting around me.
I hate those kinds of bridge pinch points. But, I just ride straight down the edge of the road as fast as possible and let the cars deal with getting around me.
Thanks but I think it's more than 100 yards. I was peddling hard for more than a minute to a minute and a half and could not see a lane anywhere in sight. I don't beli be there's any sidewalk on that bridge.