Helmet Head
Do bike lanes make cycling safer?
Note: Your user name will appear next to your choice in the poll results. (Edit by Rev. Chuck)
Note: Your user name will appear next to your choice in the poll results. (Edit by Rev. Chuck)
Do bike lanes make cycling safer?
The BikeForums Team
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CommuterRun
I think bike lanes make cycling less safe, but not to any great degree.
They certainly don't make cycling appreciably safer.
They certainly don't make cycling appreciably safer.
LittleBigMan
The design of bike lanes varies too greatly in my opinion to classify all of them together, so I didn't vote.
I believe that some bike lanes are improperly implemented and even unsafe, but that applies only to certain applications, and not all bike lanes in general.
I think the main factors in safety have more to do with the choices a cyclist makes given the cycling environment.
I believe that some bike lanes are improperly implemented and even unsafe, but that applies only to certain applications, and not all bike lanes in general.
I think the main factors in safety have more to do with the choices a cyclist makes given the cycling environment.
Bekologist
why this poll? Will it actually prove anything? it looks like just an opinion poll, without any realistic way to gauge safety of bicycle accomodations. It's invalid anyway because all the options are loaded. 'Significantly less' or 'significantly more' are towards two ends on a continum that ingores the more likely middle ground in population sampling. This poll is skewed and biased against bike lanes.
However,
Bike lanes in the greater Seattle area make cycling safer for cyclists.
Well designed bicycle accomodations provide a preferential, dedicated lane for safe and efficient travel by bicycles on congested roadways with heavy traffic volumes and/or high speeds.
However,
Bike lanes in the greater Seattle area make cycling safer for cyclists.
Well designed bicycle accomodations provide a preferential, dedicated lane for safe and efficient travel by bicycles on congested roadways with heavy traffic volumes and/or high speeds.
Paul L.
How about a "Does it matter to you if a bike lane is safer or not?". I like them mostly because they are faster by letting me filter forward better at lights by keeping cars out of my way.
webist
This poll is skewed and biased against bike lanes.
[/b]
That's sure a surprise. :eek:
I didn't vote either.
[/b]
That's sure a surprise. :eek:
I didn't vote either.
Brian Ratliff
Yea... another poll. See folks; he is frustrated that he cannot pound his message across. So another round of polls appears so he has something more to talk about. So, HH, what's the right answer?
I don't vote in these, BTW.
I don't vote in these, BTW.
timmhaan
i think they do, but not necessarily in all cases. a lot of times they are used simply as additional parking spaces, unloading zones, etc. when that's the case, i don't think it's any safer. however, when everyone treats them as they are intended then i think there is a benefit.
flipped4bikes
Seriously, is it that important to know how each person voted? It's not like we're in Congress or anything...
D) All of the above and,
E) None of the above.
How's that for talking like a politician? This poll is useless. You can put it on Fox News, and they'll spin it one way. And then on CBS, and they'll spin it the other way. :D
D) All of the above and,
E) None of the above.
How's that for talking like a politician? This poll is useless. You can put it on Fox News, and they'll spin it one way. And then on CBS, and they'll spin it the other way. :D
Jalopy
Do bike lanes make cycling safer?
This is the most pointless poll ever.
Why do you act like this debate is new and that there is no data already available? A quick internet search will provide oodles of studies and data for you to pick apart. Why not quote some of them for discussion rather than posting a worthless subjective poll?
I'm not even a bike lane advocate but this is getting really annoying. I'm not going to vote in the poll because I'm sure you will try to refer to the responses as if they mean something.
Jalopy
This is the most pointless poll ever.
Why do you act like this debate is new and that there is no data already available? A quick internet search will provide oodles of studies and data for you to pick apart. Why not quote some of them for discussion rather than posting a worthless subjective poll?
I'm not even a bike lane advocate but this is getting really annoying. I'm not going to vote in the poll because I'm sure you will try to refer to the responses as if they mean something.
Jalopy
Roody
Seriously, is it that important to know how each person voted? It's not like we're in Congress or anything...
This is weird. Usually the so called "public polls" have a disclaimer saying something like, "Other users will be able to see how you voted." This one has no disclaimer. I wonder what happened?
This is weird. Usually the so called "public polls" have a disclaimer saying something like, "Other users will be able to see how you voted." This one has no disclaimer. I wonder what happened?
genec
Bike lanes make cycling a bit safer, simply by defining a place on the road that is better understood by all road users than the absense of such lines... unlike "sharing lanes" which leaves the questions of ROW up to the whims of the road users at the moment. (if "lanes" didn't work, why do we stripe all the roads now?)
BL also indicate to motorists that cyclists may be on the road.... a visual as much needed as "trucks entering" signs. (if it was all that bloody obvious, then why the "trucks entering" signs?).
BL add about as much safety as any other line on the road... all of which is really psychological (stay between the lines, the lines are our friends). No line anywhere has magic powers and cannot do more then simply "suggest" the proper path.
Since BL vary wildly from place to place and even vary in design within a city, one person can have a very positive experience about BL, while another thinks they totally suck... the reality is that those BL may just be as different as night and day.
Evidence that BL DO guide motorists is as plain as the fact that some BL do collect dirt and junk from the rest of the roadway. Of course since there are so few cyclist on the roadways, this same debris often remains for a long time and can be a hazard to the infrequent users of BL. However, the nimble nature of a bicycle can often allow the user to navigate around these hazards.
BL also indicate to motorists that cyclists may be on the road.... a visual as much needed as "trucks entering" signs. (if it was all that bloody obvious, then why the "trucks entering" signs?).
BL add about as much safety as any other line on the road... all of which is really psychological (stay between the lines, the lines are our friends). No line anywhere has magic powers and cannot do more then simply "suggest" the proper path.
Since BL vary wildly from place to place and even vary in design within a city, one person can have a very positive experience about BL, while another thinks they totally suck... the reality is that those BL may just be as different as night and day.
Evidence that BL DO guide motorists is as plain as the fact that some BL do collect dirt and junk from the rest of the roadway. Of course since there are so few cyclist on the roadways, this same debris often remains for a long time and can be a hazard to the infrequent users of BL. However, the nimble nature of a bicycle can often allow the user to navigate around these hazards.
Brian Ratliff
This is weird. Usually the so called "public polls" have a disclaimer saying something like, "Other users will be able to see how you voted." This one has no disclaimer. I wonder what happened?
I have the disclaimer. But then, I am seeing the "vote" screen, rather than the "results" graph. Have you voted yet? I think that once you vote, the disclaimer goes away.
I have the disclaimer. But then, I am seeing the "vote" screen, rather than the "results" graph. Have you voted yet? I think that once you vote, the disclaimer goes away.
Roody
I have the disclaimer. But then, I am seeing the "vote" screen, rather than the "results" graph. Have you voted yet? I think that once you vote, the disclaimer goes away.
oh Never mind.
oh Never mind.
oilfreeandhappy
Yes, good bike lanes definitely make it safer to ride. I also find that I can relax a lot more with a bike lane, which makes cycling much more enjoyable.
Treespeed
THE TROUBLE WITH GERANIUMS
The trouble with geraniums
is that they’re much too red!
The trouble with my toast is that
it’s far too full of bread.
The trouble with a diamond
is that it’s much too bright.
The same applies to fish and stars
and the electric light.
The troubles with the stars I see
lies in the way they fly.
The trouble with myself is all
self-centred in the eye.
The trouble with my looking-glass
is that it shows me, me;
there’s trouble in all sorts of things
where it should never be.
-Mervyn Peake
There is a lot to get out of a nice bike lane and nothing to lose if you know how to use it.
The trouble with geraniums
is that they’re much too red!
The trouble with my toast is that
it’s far too full of bread.
The trouble with a diamond
is that it’s much too bright.
The same applies to fish and stars
and the electric light.
The troubles with the stars I see
lies in the way they fly.
The trouble with myself is all
self-centred in the eye.
The trouble with my looking-glass
is that it shows me, me;
there’s trouble in all sorts of things
where it should never be.
-Mervyn Peake
There is a lot to get out of a nice bike lane and nothing to lose if you know how to use it.
Brian Ratliff
THE TROUBLE WITH GERANIUMS
The trouble with geraniums
is that they’re much too red!
The trouble with my toast is that
it’s far too full of bread.
The trouble with a diamond
is that it’s much too bright.
The same applies to fish and stars
and the electric light.
The troubles with the stars I see
lies in the way they fly.
The trouble with myself is all
self-centred in the eye.
The trouble with my looking-glass
is that it shows me, me;
there’s trouble in all sorts of things
where it should never be.
-Mervyn Peake
There is a lot to get out of a nice bike lane and nothing to lose if you know how to use it.
:beer:
The trouble with geraniums
is that they’re much too red!
The trouble with my toast is that
it’s far too full of bread.
The trouble with a diamond
is that it’s much too bright.
The same applies to fish and stars
and the electric light.
The troubles with the stars I see
lies in the way they fly.
The trouble with myself is all
self-centred in the eye.
The trouble with my looking-glass
is that it shows me, me;
there’s trouble in all sorts of things
where it should never be.
-Mervyn Peake
There is a lot to get out of a nice bike lane and nothing to lose if you know how to use it.
:beer:
sbhikes
Oh great another thread and its matching poll. Are we at that stage of the cycle again?
I'm voting "no confidence."
I'm voting "no confidence."
Dogbait
Bike Lanes are safer when they have the proper STENCILS (http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/plugins/falbum/falbum-wp.php?album=1022207#)
View it as a slide show.
Dogbait
"Don't vote, it only encourages them"-- from a bumper sticker circa 1974
View it as a slide show.
Dogbait
"Don't vote, it only encourages them"-- from a bumper sticker circa 1974
wsexson
It's invalid anyway because all the options are loaded. 'Significantly less' or 'significantly more' are towards two ends on a continum that ingores the more likely middle ground in population sampling.
Baloney. If a difference is not significant then it is insignificant. The listed choices are not one extreme or the other. Maybe we should start a fund to purchase you a dictionary.
Baloney. If a difference is not significant then it is insignificant. The listed choices are not one extreme or the other. Maybe we should start a fund to purchase you a dictionary.
chipcom
Using HH's usual poll logic, folks either say bike lanes make cycling safer or make no difference at all by a 24-5 margin at this point, proving what many of us have maintained all along - HH and his 'bike lanes kill' crowd are in the extremist minority.
Keith99
Using HH's usual poll logic, folks either say bike lanes make cycling safer or make no difference at all by a 24-5 margin at this point, proving what many of us have maintained all along - HH and his 'bike lanes kill' crowd are in the extremist minority.
Of course being in the minority does not make him wrong.
I voted not much either way. I find some domake things safer. I find more that make things less safe.
The biggest single thing for less safe is that they provide the most help where none is needed. Riding is most safe between intersections. Also many bike lanes end at just the wrong time and place. I can think of one local lane that goes for miles, some might complain about door zone issues, but while legal to park few cars do park, so I see no problem. But just where things get to a point where a designated space for bikes would be useful the lane ends without warning.
Of course being in the minority does not make him wrong.
I voted not much either way. I find some domake things safer. I find more that make things less safe.
The biggest single thing for less safe is that they provide the most help where none is needed. Riding is most safe between intersections. Also many bike lanes end at just the wrong time and place. I can think of one local lane that goes for miles, some might complain about door zone issues, but while legal to park few cars do park, so I see no problem. But just where things get to a point where a designated space for bikes would be useful the lane ends without warning.
Tank Rider
I think safe bike lanes make cycling safer, unsafe bike lanes make cycling more dangerous.
I-Like-To-Bike
Using HH's usual poll logic, folks either say bike lanes make cycling safer or make no difference at all by a 24-5 margin at this point, proving what many of us have maintained all along - HH and his 'bike lanes kill' crowd are in the extremist minority.
The HH "logical" conclusion is to post another dopey poll. Credibility and HH are mutually exclusive.
The HH "logical" conclusion is to post another dopey poll. Credibility and HH are mutually exclusive.
genec
Of course being in the minority does not make him wrong.
I voted not much either way. I find some domake things safer. I find more that make things less safe.
The biggest single thing for less safe is that they provide the most help where none is needed. Riding is most safe between intersections. Also many bike lanes end at just the wrong time and place. I can think of one local lane that goes for miles, some might complain about door zone issues, but while legal to park few cars do park, so I see no problem. But just where things get to a point where a designated space for bikes would be useful the lane ends without warning.
But is that the fault of the basic idea of bike lanes or the road engineer that chose to draw it that way.
Here in my town there is a BL that goes along a road that is either 50MPH or 65MPH... at one particular location in the 50MPH zone, the BL is pinched very narrow putting the cyclist close to cars. Rather then restripe that section of the road, or add 5 feet of pavement at that one spot, the road engineers chose to narrow the BL. This is quite typical of poor BL design by road engineers that never use bike lanes.
BTW as far as restriping that part of the road... they already had erased miles of BL stripe to move them 5 feet further to the right anyway... why not do the whole thing right... nope.
I voted not much either way. I find some domake things safer. I find more that make things less safe.
The biggest single thing for less safe is that they provide the most help where none is needed. Riding is most safe between intersections. Also many bike lanes end at just the wrong time and place. I can think of one local lane that goes for miles, some might complain about door zone issues, but while legal to park few cars do park, so I see no problem. But just where things get to a point where a designated space for bikes would be useful the lane ends without warning.
But is that the fault of the basic idea of bike lanes or the road engineer that chose to draw it that way.
Here in my town there is a BL that goes along a road that is either 50MPH or 65MPH... at one particular location in the 50MPH zone, the BL is pinched very narrow putting the cyclist close to cars. Rather then restripe that section of the road, or add 5 feet of pavement at that one spot, the road engineers chose to narrow the BL. This is quite typical of poor BL design by road engineers that never use bike lanes.
BTW as far as restriping that part of the road... they already had erased miles of BL stripe to move them 5 feet further to the right anyway... why not do the whole thing right... nope.
Shorty
In Boston at least, some bike lanes are completely evil and some are marginally helpful. I just wonder who designs the ones that run right through the door zone.
Keith99
But is that the fault of the basic idea of bike lanes or the road engineer that chose to draw it that way.
I would say part is pretty much unavoidable. That bikelanes provide the least at intersections seems inherent.
On other poor design issues it can be a bit difficult to decide. IF one starts from the idea that all bikelanes are good, then much of the fault is the fault of the basic idea. If one starts from the idea that bikelanes can be good (my feeeling) then it is a case of poor execution.
As I see it many of the poorly designed bikelanes stem from the idea bikelane=good and then putting a bikelane in where it does not belong, or at least does not belong without some real redesign.
The bikelane=good idea asks just one question, can we put one in here?
What should be asked is a series like.
Would a bike lane help here?
What do we need to do to do it right?
Are we willing to spend what it takes?
Or perhaps how much are we willing to spend and does that get us close enough that the lane is a good thing?
I would say part is pretty much unavoidable. That bikelanes provide the least at intersections seems inherent.
On other poor design issues it can be a bit difficult to decide. IF one starts from the idea that all bikelanes are good, then much of the fault is the fault of the basic idea. If one starts from the idea that bikelanes can be good (my feeeling) then it is a case of poor execution.
As I see it many of the poorly designed bikelanes stem from the idea bikelane=good and then putting a bikelane in where it does not belong, or at least does not belong without some real redesign.
The bikelane=good idea asks just one question, can we put one in here?
What should be asked is a series like.
Would a bike lane help here?
What do we need to do to do it right?
Are we willing to spend what it takes?
Or perhaps how much are we willing to spend and does that get us close enough that the lane is a good thing?
genec
I would say part is pretty much unavoidable. That bikelanes provide the least at intersections seems inherent.
On other poor design issues it can be a bit difficult to decide. IF one starts from the idea that all bikelanes are good, then much of the fault is the fault of the basic idea. If one starts from the idea that bikelanes can be good (my feeeling) then it is a case of poor execution.
As I see it many of the poorly designed bikelanes stem from the idea bikelane=good and then putting a bikelane in where it does not belong, or at least does not belong without some real redesign.
The bikelane=good idea asks just one question, can we put one in here?
What should be asked is a series like.
Would a bike lane help here?
What do we need to do to do it right?
Are we willing to spend what it takes?
Or perhaps how much are we willing to spend and does that get us close enough that the lane is a good thing?
I fully agree with your latter statement... especially this part: "What do we need to do to do it right?"
I do not believe BL belong everywhere... and especially not on 25MPH residential streets.
As far as the intersections... the best situation there is a sign that indicates that motorists should yield to cyclists and better training for motorists in general to emphasize that they are NOT the only things on the road. That "own the road" mentality is a big part of the problem with motorists and peds, cyclists and our natiional oil "problem."
Cyclists can do everything right, and yet still be "menaced" by drivers that frankly don't give a rat's behind about anyone but themselves.
On other poor design issues it can be a bit difficult to decide. IF one starts from the idea that all bikelanes are good, then much of the fault is the fault of the basic idea. If one starts from the idea that bikelanes can be good (my feeeling) then it is a case of poor execution.
As I see it many of the poorly designed bikelanes stem from the idea bikelane=good and then putting a bikelane in where it does not belong, or at least does not belong without some real redesign.
The bikelane=good idea asks just one question, can we put one in here?
What should be asked is a series like.
Would a bike lane help here?
What do we need to do to do it right?
Are we willing to spend what it takes?
Or perhaps how much are we willing to spend and does that get us close enough that the lane is a good thing?
I fully agree with your latter statement... especially this part: "What do we need to do to do it right?"
I do not believe BL belong everywhere... and especially not on 25MPH residential streets.
As far as the intersections... the best situation there is a sign that indicates that motorists should yield to cyclists and better training for motorists in general to emphasize that they are NOT the only things on the road. That "own the road" mentality is a big part of the problem with motorists and peds, cyclists and our natiional oil "problem."
Cyclists can do everything right, and yet still be "menaced" by drivers that frankly don't give a rat's behind about anyone but themselves.
UmneyDurak
If they are properly implemented, yes they are safe. Only thing is that freeway entrance and exits just don't work very well with them. That said, it probably will be even worse without bike lanes.
jeff williams
"Do bike lanes make cycling safer?"
No.
No.
Daily Commute
. . . . There is a lot to get out of a nice bike lane and nothing to lose if you know how to use it.
Nothing to lose, except the use of the rest of the road. Unlike HH, I think bike lanes can be useful on high-speed roads with limited intersections. Other than that, they generally make cycling less safe, expecially on 25-30 mph downtown streets. But they do make a lot of cyclists feel better about themselves.
Nothing to lose, except the use of the rest of the road. Unlike HH, I think bike lanes can be useful on high-speed roads with limited intersections. Other than that, they generally make cycling less safe, expecially on 25-30 mph downtown streets. But they do make a lot of cyclists feel better about themselves.
Bekologist
Actually, bike lanes seem to work well on main downtown streets, even on 25-35 MPH streets, by providing bicycles their own preferential lane of traffic to ride right past heavy congestion. This is easier than either a WOL, or on a non accomodated roadway.
Bike lanes also work well at busy, multi lane intersections by accomodating bicycles in their own preferential lane all the way up to the light, to the left of right turning traffic. This is easier, faster and safer than either filtering an outside lane or splitting lanes between two lanes of traffic.
Integrated bicycle accomodations do not prevent the bicyclist use of the rest of the road anywhere in Washington State. does Ohio even have that law or are you misleading the forum?
Bike lanes also work well at busy, multi lane intersections by accomodating bicycles in their own preferential lane all the way up to the light, to the left of right turning traffic. This is easier, faster and safer than either filtering an outside lane or splitting lanes between two lanes of traffic.
Integrated bicycle accomodations do not prevent the bicyclist use of the rest of the road anywhere in Washington State. does Ohio even have that law or are you misleading the forum?
Roody
Actually, bike lanes seem to work well on main downtown streets, even on 25-35 MPH streets, by providing bicycles their own preferential lane of traffic to ride right past heavy congestion. This is easier than either a WOL, or on a non accomodated roadway.
Where do they put bike lanes in busy downtown areas? I don't know a lot about urban design, but it seems like you either take a car lane away, and tick off the motorists. Or you make the sidewalks narrower, and more dangerous for pedestrians. Or you take out parking spots and merchants go out of business. Or you put the bike lane in the door zone and kill off a few cyclists. This is a tricky one to plan for.
Where do they put bike lanes in busy downtown areas? I don't know a lot about urban design, but it seems like you either take a car lane away, and tick off the motorists. Or you make the sidewalks narrower, and more dangerous for pedestrians. Or you take out parking spots and merchants go out of business. Or you put the bike lane in the door zone and kill off a few cyclists. This is a tricky one to plan for.
sbhikes
Where do they put bike lanes in busy downtown areas? I don't know a lot about urban design, but it seems like you either take a car lane away, and tick off the motorists. Or you make the sidewalks narrower, and more dangerous for pedestrians. Or you take out parking spots and merchants go out of business. Or you put the bike lane in the door zone and kill off a few cyclists. This is a tricky one to plan for.
This would be our main street down town on a busy Saturday.
No car lanes taken away. No ticked-off motorists. Sidewalks have been narrowed not by bike lanes but by restaurant outdoor seating, it is less dangerous for pedestrians because bicycling is prohibited on side walks, and there is no door zone. All motorized traffic must park in lots behind the shops.
Note also that the bike lane does not place the rider to the right of right-turning motorists, and that in addition to me who is taking the picture, there are at least two other cyclists visible on this day and several parked bicycles, so it sure doesn't keep cyclists away.
This would be our main street down town on a busy Saturday.
No car lanes taken away. No ticked-off motorists. Sidewalks have been narrowed not by bike lanes but by restaurant outdoor seating, it is less dangerous for pedestrians because bicycling is prohibited on side walks, and there is no door zone. All motorized traffic must park in lots behind the shops.
Note also that the bike lane does not place the rider to the right of right-turning motorists, and that in addition to me who is taking the picture, there are at least two other cyclists visible on this day and several parked bicycles, so it sure doesn't keep cyclists away.
Roody
This would be our main street down town on a busy Saturday.
No car lanes taken away. No ticked-off motorists. Sidewalks have been narrowed not by bike lanes but by restaurant outdoor seating, it is less dangerous for pedestrians because bicycling is prohibited on side walks, and there is no door zone. All motorized traffic must park in lots behind the shops.
Note also that the bike lane does not place the rider to the right of right-turning motorists, and that in addition to me who is taking the picture, there are at least two other cyclists visible on this day and several parked bicycles, so it sure doesn't keep cyclists away.
Here in the older cities we don't have parking behind the shops because behind the shops there's more shops, not asphalt. On street parking is required by motorists and merchants. We used to have pedestrian malls in most cities, but most of these have been removed in favor of narrow streets with 2 lane parking. I will admit these aren't great for cycling because many drivers pulling out don't see the cyclists. I dont think bike lanes would help too much in this case.
In your picture, it looks like cyclists going through two intersections share the so-called bike lane with right turning cars. Not real cool. Also cyclists are in the door zone, but on the passenger side of the cars. I would imagine that passengers (like kids and blind people) are even more likely to door you than drivers!
No car lanes taken away. No ticked-off motorists. Sidewalks have been narrowed not by bike lanes but by restaurant outdoor seating, it is less dangerous for pedestrians because bicycling is prohibited on side walks, and there is no door zone. All motorized traffic must park in lots behind the shops.
Note also that the bike lane does not place the rider to the right of right-turning motorists, and that in addition to me who is taking the picture, there are at least two other cyclists visible on this day and several parked bicycles, so it sure doesn't keep cyclists away.
Here in the older cities we don't have parking behind the shops because behind the shops there's more shops, not asphalt. On street parking is required by motorists and merchants. We used to have pedestrian malls in most cities, but most of these have been removed in favor of narrow streets with 2 lane parking. I will admit these aren't great for cycling because many drivers pulling out don't see the cyclists. I dont think bike lanes would help too much in this case.
In your picture, it looks like cyclists going through two intersections share the so-called bike lane with right turning cars. Not real cool. Also cyclists are in the door zone, but on the passenger side of the cars. I would imagine that passengers (like kids and blind people) are even more likely to door you than drivers!
sbhikes
Here's a close up. Note that the bike lane is not shared with the right turn lane. That woman may be turning right, in which case using the right turn lane would be appropriate. Or she could be headed for that bike parking. It's hard to say since there is significant foreshortening in the picture.
And passengers opening doors in moving traffic? That sounds like a problem for the extremely paranoid to worry about. But if you'd rather chug up this street in line with all the idling cars barely moving out of fear of passenger doors, and eschew the quick efficiency of the bike lane, be my guest.
Santa Barbara was colonized by the Spanish. It's an old town. Being old is no excuse for city planning that has no bicyclist input.
And passengers opening doors in moving traffic? That sounds like a problem for the extremely paranoid to worry about. But if you'd rather chug up this street in line with all the idling cars barely moving out of fear of passenger doors, and eschew the quick efficiency of the bike lane, be my guest.
Santa Barbara was colonized by the Spanish. It's an old town. Being old is no excuse for city planning that has no bicyclist input.
Roody
Here's a close up. Note that the bike lane is not shared with the right turn lane. That woman may be turning right, in which case using the right turn lane would be appropriate. Or she could be headed for that bike parking. It's hard to say since there is significant foreshortening in the picture.
And passengers opening doors in moving traffic? That sounds like a problem for the extremely paranoid to worry about. But if you'd rather chug up this street in line with all the idling cars barely moving out of fear of passenger doors, and eschew the quick efficiency of the bike lane, be my guest.
Santa Barbara was colonized by the Spanish. It's an old town. Being old is no excuse for city planning that has no bicyclist input.
Sorry, in the original photo it looked to me that the white SUV and the car behind it were parked, From this post, I come to understand that they were stopped there for a light or something, not parked. I still wonder where space for the bike lane came from, or was it designed into new construction? Also, how fast are vehicles moving here?
And passengers opening doors in moving traffic? That sounds like a problem for the extremely paranoid to worry about. But if you'd rather chug up this street in line with all the idling cars barely moving out of fear of passenger doors, and eschew the quick efficiency of the bike lane, be my guest.
Santa Barbara was colonized by the Spanish. It's an old town. Being old is no excuse for city planning that has no bicyclist input.
Sorry, in the original photo it looked to me that the white SUV and the car behind it were parked, From this post, I come to understand that they were stopped there for a light or something, not parked. I still wonder where space for the bike lane came from, or was it designed into new construction? Also, how fast are vehicles moving here?
Brad M
Also, how fast are vehicles moving here?
They're not moving at all. Fearing for the safety of my tires on the requsite bike lane grit and pine needles, I would opt to take my rightful place in the traffic lane. A few missed lights and lungs full of carbon monoxide are good tradeoffs for enhanced safety and visibility.
They're not moving at all. Fearing for the safety of my tires on the requsite bike lane grit and pine needles, I would opt to take my rightful place in the traffic lane. A few missed lights and lungs full of carbon monoxide are good tradeoffs for enhanced safety and visibility.
I-Like-To-Bike
They're not moving at all. Fearing for the safety of my tires on the requsite bike lane grit and pine needles, I would opt to take my rightful place in the traffic lane. A few missed lights and lungs full of carbon monoxide are good tradeoffs for enhanced safety and visibility.
Not only that, but if a motorist looks at you cross-eyed you can give them an easy to see vulgar hand gesture or easily provoke a confrontation since you can be up close and personal with those cager devil dogs. Maybe even punch one or two in the face. (and scoot outta sight if the confrontation doesn't work out to your advantage). But only when you take your manly place in the traffic lane. Roody knows you can't be a real man skulking in the bike lane.
Get in the traffic lane and give 'em hell, just like Roody and friends. Roody, You be da man!
Not only that, but if a motorist looks at you cross-eyed you can give them an easy to see vulgar hand gesture or easily provoke a confrontation since you can be up close and personal with those cager devil dogs. Maybe even punch one or two in the face. (and scoot outta sight if the confrontation doesn't work out to your advantage). But only when you take your manly place in the traffic lane. Roody knows you can't be a real man skulking in the bike lane.
Get in the traffic lane and give 'em hell, just like Roody and friends. Roody, You be da man!
Cyclaholic
Of course being in the minority does not make him wrong.
I voted not much either way. I find some domake things safer. I find more that make things less safe.
The biggest single thing for less safe is that they provide the most help where none is needed. Riding is most safe between intersections. Also many bike lanes end at just the wrong time and place. I can think of one local lane that goes for miles, some might complain about door zone issues, but while legal to park few cars do park, so I see no problem. But just where things get to a point where a designated space for bikes would be useful the lane ends without warning.
That sounds like the bike lane needs to be extended..... more bike lane will make it safer.
I voted not much either way. I find some domake things safer. I find more that make things less safe.
The biggest single thing for less safe is that they provide the most help where none is needed. Riding is most safe between intersections. Also many bike lanes end at just the wrong time and place. I can think of one local lane that goes for miles, some might complain about door zone issues, but while legal to park few cars do park, so I see no problem. But just where things get to a point where a designated space for bikes would be useful the lane ends without warning.
That sounds like the bike lane needs to be extended..... more bike lane will make it safer.
Cyclaholic
They're not moving at all. Fearing for the safety of my tires on the requsite bike lane grit and pine needles, I would opt to take my rightful place in the traffic lane. A few missed lights and lungs full of carbon monoxide are good tradeoffs for enhanced safety and visibility.
get some tire liners and a patch kit, learn how to use both and you'll be OK.
get some tire liners and a patch kit, learn how to use both and you'll be OK.
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Common bike forum topics in clue bicycles, cycling, mountain biking,
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Common bike forum topics in clue bicycles, cycling, mountain biking,
cycling jerseys, shorts, socks, shoes and bike equiptment selection.