Originally Posted by
lukasz
I don't use the subway for weeks at a time. It is kind of nice. I've even gotten used to the 12 pound chain lock and 3-4 pound u-lock I have to carry with me if I'm going somewhere other than work. Getting on the road bike after a day of commuting feels like I've lost 30 pounds. I think that bike lanes have helped people begin commuting, but once you've dived in you realize that they are not at all necessary to get from place to place.
Now if only they'd somehow calm traffic on friggin' highways like Park Ave (what a cruel joke). Actually, most of the avenues need some calming measures. I usually just take a lane on these roads but would not at all be surprised to one day end up in the hospital because of someone treating it like I-95. After spending the weekend in Philly I am jealous of cities where people do not drive like absolute maniacs.
The good thing is if people use the lanes then realize they can do fine without them then they might end up being more adventurous; I see bike lanes like the shallow end of the pool where the cautious get comfortable enough to venture to the deeper sections.
I DO NOT like riding on the East Side and avoid it at all costs just because everyone drives on those avenues like they're escaping from the city from a tidal wave.