Originally Posted by
Helmet Head
Well, then there is our fundamental difference. You think, "for the most part", that proper lateral positioning for cyclists is largely determined independent of current conditions (including but not limited to: weather, surface conditions, cyclist speed, cyclist's intended destination, speed, volume and location of other traffic, presence of parked cars and other potential hazards, lighting conditions, etc.). No wonder you like and support bike lanes. There is no way you can appreciate what's wrong with them if you think this.
I guess I'd better explain it in small words for you then.
For the most part, lane position is not governed by transient conditions. Most of the time, it's lane width - the static condition of the road. If there's enough room to share, hold a line just outside the car traffic lane (whether it's marked or not), otherwise, hold a line somewhere inside it. All those transient conditions you mention can possibly result in a need to adjust it, but not all that often, and when you do, do so gradually and predictably.
If you had a functioning memory, you 'd know that I've never said that I like or support bikelanes (ok, I do like some, when they're done well). I don't whinge about them either, though. I just think the VC cultists expend way too much energy arguing against them, when their energy could be better spent pursuing things that are actually important for cyclist's safety. The risks involved in using a bikelane are really fairly miniscule, if they exist at all relative to your weaving about behaviour. It's much ado about nothing.
Originally Posted by
Helmet Head
I've never argued that there is a wall stopping anyone from leaving the bike lane, or anything like that. Anyway, this is now beside the point, because our fundamental difference is noted above.
But you seem to think that 'most cyclists' feel they aren't permitted to leave it.
Originally Posted by
Helmet Head
I said that bike lanes reinforce the notion that where cyclists belong on the road is largely a static proposition independent of current conditions, which brings us back to our fundamental disagreement.
If it reinforces anything, it's the idea that you pick your line, and hold it, unless it's necessary to change lanes. Just like you do in a car, if you're riding/driving vehicularly. Or do you change lanes on a whim in your car as well?
Your absurd notion that it marginalises cycling to an inferior position makes no more sense than saying a right turn only lane marginalises right turners.
Originally Posted by
Helmet Head
Given my assumption about dynamics, relative to every-changing conditions, being the norm with respect to proper cyclist lateral positioning, the only proper training for bike lanes is to ignore them - position yourself as if the stripe is not there. But in that case, what is the bike lane for?
For the same reason that any other lane marking exists. It's your myopia that can't accept that a bike lane functions like any other marked lane