I tend to sit on the fence a little about marked cycle lanes. Yes, they give a cyclist additional space, but what bugs me about them is that many motorists take the view that cyclists are only allowed to use that portion of the road. There are times when a cyclist would actually extend beyond the lane (avoiding broken glass, making a right turn, or left in the U.S). Then there is also Pete's points about maintenance of that section of the road, which is not always what it should be.

To be honest, I'm beginning to wonder if just a substantial shoulder would be a better and more useful idea. Any thoughts?

Chris