Originally Posted by
surreal
With all due respect, it does matter what motorists think, b/c they're the ones sharing the road with us, they're the ones who have a decided majority in terms of "public opinion" (in the USA) and the leverage that goes with it, and they're the ones getting frustrated b/c they're understandably confused.
This sounds like trolling. Is it intentional? Roads are roads. They are not designated for specific vehicles except in cases where the road can't handle more than a certain amount of weight. Everyone is allowed to use a public road. It may irritate a motorist who can go 40+mph that there are vehicles going @10mph but that's just life, so to speak. Being part of a majority and feeling frustrated doesn't entitle you to any special privileges. Freedom takes precedent over majority/group rights, which don't even exist except informally/implicitly.
So far, bike lanes have also confused law enforcement. Especially in NYC, but all over the country, police are writing tickets related to bike lane use, even when there is no infractions. I like the general premise and sentiment behind bike lanes, but so far, they do more harm then good.... at least in terms of safety, public attitudes towards cycling on the road, and police harassment directed at cyclists.
Again, attitude isn't law. Bike lane striping provides a clear guideline for both motorists and cyclists. Your arguments remind me of how people used to make fun of and refuse to use plastic dividers at supermarket checkout lines. It's just easier to pay attention to a physically visible dividing line than to try to socially negotiate the same line in imaginary form. Police and courts also prefer visible lines because it makes it easier for witnesses and investigators to establish in court who was in their lane and who 'crossed the line.'