RandomEncounter

I was in Houston several months ago and saw these strange things used to divide the bike lane from the car lane. They struck me as being ineffective at keeping cars from swerving into the lane as well as dangerous for cyclists as they'd be really easy to hit.

What do Houston locals think of them?

the sci guy 

Not sure. They are only on the one tiny strip downtown- which is the only place these lanes exist. Cars drive right over them and park in the bike lane all the time - but apparently police have written over 300 tickets for it though.
Don't have a lot of feedback on them though from what I've seen.

GerryinHouston

I've used them. They are on Lamar Street and cross Downtown from North to South.

They are good, not only because they provide separation from the cars (at least indicate separation), but they have their own traffic lights which start a few seconds before the car traffic lights. As a result, you can cross the street before the cars start turning left in the westward one way streets (Downtown the streets are all one way (with the exception of Main Street which is two way with the tram in the middle).

Unfortunately, in one block there is construction and the detour ruins the whole concept!

RandomEncounter

During my brief time in Houston I got the impression that everything was under construction!

Seattle has a cycle track with light timing like that. It caused a lot of confusion at first but seems to be working out better now.

memebag

I avoid that dedicated bike lane, but I only ride downtown on the weekends, so I'm not competing with a bunch of cars. The black rubber things (nicknamed "armadillos", I think) are easy to avoid on a bike. The gravel and dirt that accumulate in the gutter not so much, and that forces cyclists into oncoming (bicycle) traffic.

10 Wheels

Accidentally hit one with your bike and DOWN you would go.