John F.: No, actually the object of the OP is the width of the bike lane from the perspective of the cyclist. I don't believe in your theory about the effects of bike lanes on society or motorists; I believe that your theory is colored by your environment and your riding style. I don't believe because I have not seen this effect when I ride around town here, or, really, in any other city I have ridden in. The only effect of bike lanes I've personally witnessed is my comfort or discomfort with the space provided; the effects, on the contrary of your claim, have little to nothing to do with cars or drivers.

Am I biased? No. I'm just saying that middle class engineers on road bikes ride faster than your typical city dweller. If you are measuring the speed of Ames Aeronautical Laboratory employees, then you are already being selective with your sample.