What word in "bike lane" don't drivers understand?

[DavidWhiting]

We've seen vehicles in the bike lane. I shot photographs, went of TV, asked cyclists to weigh in. Their comments are the meat of this column. But what is interesting is the diversity of opinions. Perhaps awareness is a step toward safer riding?
http://www.ocregister.com/sports/david-whiting-orange-1979972-county-road

[Enzo Gucci]

Thanks for writing the article, the media and press need more people shedding awareness on the issue. I think a large part of the problem is how quickly police side with motorists when something happens, regardless of who was actualy at fault.

My friend almost got hit the other day, and when he confronted the driver (she was on her phone) she had the audacity to say, "Why you gotta be all yellin' like that, I'm on my phone!" Her two sons also threatened to get out of the car and kick our asses. Cool life.

I think it's part ignorance, part disregard and part lack of backing by the city.

[merider1]

Quick digression from topic...This July, the no cell phone use while driving law goes into effect. I realize folks can still talk on a hands free set, but hopefully if enough people are fined, they'll stop yakking away while driving with a phone to their ear. I can't tell you how many times drivers have almost backed into my car while talking on a cell phone not paying attention.

Back on topic. :)

[blarnie]

Yes. Thank You for your column. If cyclists want their space, they have to support cycling advocacy groups. Otherwise, we are a silent minority and will be treated as such. Drivers today, it seems, tend toward being less responsible societally. This is not going to change in my opinion. Drivers seem to have adopted an attitude of driving as a right and not as a privilege. They also seem to tend towards the self. "My roads, not yours."

This does not only affect cyclists, but all who share the road.

But our governing bodies will not do anything to correct this particular situation until we become more vocal. It's sad but government is not for what's right, but for what's squeaky.

[Pepper Grinder]

I don't understand why bike lanes don't have raised pavement markers? If you drift into your next lane, you get tactile feedback as your car goes bump bump bump on the raised lane markers, but if you drift into the bike lane, nothing. It's "acceptable."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raised_pavement_marker

[alicestrong]

Hi David

I, too would like to thank you for your article and also thank you for taking the time to come here and post on the board.

Awareness is definitely a step towards safer riding and articles like yours are extremely helpful as is the dialogue that they create.

[angle]

I would have a problem with raised pavement markers delineating bike lanes, because I almost always have to ride at the very outside edge, if not on the stripe itself, in order to stay out of the door zone. I guess if the bike lanes were wider that wouldn't be an issue, but all of the lanes I see are way too narrow to accommodate an open car door and a cyclist simultaneously.

I do agree that we should all be "squeaky wheels" as much as possible. I think there's some meetings coming up concerning bicycle infrastructure in Los Angeles... ;)

[ovoleg]

dude your such a girl, stop crying, how old are you??? JEEZ

[2manybikes]

Drivers don't know anything about bike laws. Most cyclists don't even know. Don't plan on them ever caring.

[CritEastwood]

David, next time include the CVC as it pertains to bicycles in the roadway and their rights. The mullet-headed trolls in the comments section need to see that.

[ovoleg]

your a crybaby

[Jaguar27]

Quick digression from topic...This July, the no cell phone use while driving law goes into effect. I realize folks can still talk on a hands free set, but hopefully if enough people are fined, they'll stop yakking away while driving with a phone to their ear. I can't tell you how many times drivers have almost backed into my car while talking on a cell phone not paying attention.

Back on topic. :)

ME, I agree, I'm totally against Drivers yakking on the Phone...
However, Cell Phones have been illegal in the UK for a number of years now but despite the fines so many People are still using Cell Phones whilst Driving that this year they've threatened Jail time for those that are caught...

I can't remember how much the fine is going to be in CA but in my opinion it's not high enough to really deter People, it should be well over $1000 and immediate Licence suspension for a few months.

[Jaguar27]

David, I would like to thank you also, and thanks for posting...

I live and ride in Irvine, the City here have put a great deal of thought into making it as safe as possible here for Cyclists...they have even put Buttons at all the Traffic Lights so we can activate them from the kerb...

On the whole, Drivers in Irvine seem very considerate towards Cyclists but unfortunately it only takes one idiot behind the wheel to Kill a Cyclist....

[DavidWhiting]

Thanks for all the kind comments. The column on bike lanes is one of more than 150 outdoor columns I've written, many on cyclists and cycling safety. You probably know some of the people. Stay tuned for many more and more opportunities to connect as I build out this site: http://www.ocregister.com/section/david-whitingpeople-and-1545642-places/

[ggallin]

ulock any and every retard with a bluetooth headset.

[ovoleg]

stop QQ'ing and ride your bikes ppl