Well, see, Serge, that's where we differ. I don't think that bringing attention to the problems with bike lanes conveys the confidence that comes with believing, deep down, that we have the same rights to roadway as does any other vehicle driver. I think, frankly, that it makes you look like you have an axe to grind, and not much else. What's coming through is "bike lanes are evil, and here's why they are evil!" That doesn't convey your confidence, or your conviction that transportation cycling is a good thing. Yeah, you SAY these things, but the passion that comes through is "bike lanes = bad." Do you like to ride? Why? Do you think that others should ride? What do you enjoy about cycling? What do you not enjoy about cycling? What does cycling mean to your family? Come on, you've got to have opinions on cycling as it doesn't specifically relate to VC or bike lanes! Right?

I also think that you might have to adapt to having a different view of the mentality of bike lane riding vs. traffic riding. I am comfortable in or out of a bike lane. If it's safe to ride in the lane, I will. If for some reason it isn't (for example, it's in the door zone), I won't ride in it. Maybe this is what you aren't getting? I think that most commuters have figured out VC. I think that most commuters are perfectly aware of the potential problems posed by bike lanes. I think that, instead of worrying about it, they act as appropriate to the situation. Bike lanes are problematic if they are used when it is not safe or appropriate. A smart cyclist knows when it is safe and when it is not. Most people have a pretty good idea as to when they are safe, and when they are not. This is what makes bike lanes unnecessary, not the Devil Incarnate. I am much more concerned by sidewalk cyclists and wrong way cyclists, as these people are demonstrating a basic failure to know or understand safe riding techniques.

Let me stop speculating, and tell you what I know: I ride my bike because I have no car. I ride my bike because of my personal idealogical beliefs - I would like to walk (or ride) gently upon the earth. I ride my bike because I love the outdoors. I ride my bike because I LOVE TO RIDE. When it comes right down to it, whether I am in a bike lane or not, I am on a bike, and that's something to be happy about! That's what I want to tell people - don't ride because you have to, ride because it just feels great. The bike lane issue matters, but it's not the most important thing.