Bug Shield

I live in a very rural area and commute to a very small city (pop 4k). I also occasionally bring my bike to larger cities.

The technically-solvable problems of biggest issue to me are:

1. Bike friendly mapping/routing. When traveling in unfamiliar territory, sub-optimal routing is the norm (applies to new commuters/tourists more than experienced commuters). I believe that Strava is sitting on a gold mine of routing preferences and can't wait to see it put to good use.

Examples: Published bike routes with stop signs/lights every 1/4-mile, or routes that mysteriously end.

The usual cyclists know their way around these obstacles and that knowledge if valuable to outsiders. I could see the possibility for different routing based on my average speed/preferences also. The cyclist doing 4-mph likely doesn't mind the constant stop signs as much as the one averaging 19-mph.

2. Trajectory misjudgement. I commute a low-traffic two-lane highway and frequently see motorists apparently attempt to time a safe pass by slowing - only to misjudge the oncoming traffic speed and create a pinch as a result of their misjudgement. Maybe a signal light on my bike could indicate if they need to speed up/slow down in order to pass at a break in oncoming traffic?

3. Loose dogs. Trying to avoid dogs/traffic at the same time can get interesting and, I believe, lead to errors in judgement with serious consequences. I'm starting to think that a short whip might be the answer.

tsl

Nothing really. It beats driving hands-down, all-around.

I live, work, and cycle in an older east coast city. The problem areas I have with infrastructure can't be solved without knocking down buildings for more room, or replacing bridges over expressways and the river, or the dugways under the railroad. I just deal with the occasional squeeze-play.

They're actually filling-in part of a below-grade expressway here. Some of us call it the "moat" around downtown. They're replacing that segment with grade-level commercial and residential streets. With bike lanes.

That sort of demolition/rebuilding is the only viable way to get bike lanes through my city. But you can't knock the whole place flat and start over.

scroca

Tired legs.

tsl

/thread

SpeedyStein

Here in Oakland, the biggest hazard I have is whistle tips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9R2hOlVqqek



All kidding aside, it really bugs me when 3 of 5 street lights are burnt out. I have a pretty decent helmet light, but the street lights definitely provide a nice layer to really help enhance my overall awareness of road hazards.

Although the Bay Area is pretty awesome for bike commuters, the train (BART specifically) could benefit from more dedicated bike space. I hear that they are upgrading the whole system with newer cars, but I haven't specifically heard if they are making it more bike friendly or not.