Does a bike lane help an inexperienced cyclist be safe? Or does it provide a false sense of security that ultimately makes him less safe?
--Bike lanes helped me be safe when I bike-commuted in LA.
Is this a benefit to just the motorists, or to the cyclists as well?
--When I'm driving I like bike lanes 'cause the cyclists are out of my way. When I'm cycling, I like bike lanes 'cause I have my own space.
Do these relatively fast/close passes of cyclists by motorists increase or decrease the safety of cyclists riding in bike lanes?
-- Fast/close passes happen even when there are NO bike lanes and those are scary. I prefer the lanes.
What happens when the cyclist in the bike lane has to make a sudden unexpected adjustment to the left right before a motorist makes a fast/close pass of him?
--A "sudden unexpected adjustment" is always undertaken at my own risk, whether I'm driving my car or riding my bike or walking. I look well ahead to avoid having to do that. (good argument for the upright bicycling position)
Do bike lanes help or hinder cyclists in learning how to make left turns properly?
--The state Vehicle Code helps me make left turns properly.
Do bike lanes help or hinder cyclists in learning where the safest lane position is to maximize their visibility and safety?Do bike lanes help cyclists learn their proper positions (based on destination) on intersection approaches, or do they improperly encourage them to stay near the right regardless of their destination?
--Our local bicycle commuters association has helped me learn about safe lane positions in all situations.
Do bike lanes improve or hinder riding pavement surface cleanliness for cyclists?
--Bike lanes DO become a repository of glass and debris. Thank god for the street sweepers.
Does the existence of bike lanes help or hinder communicating the message that cyclists have the SAME rights and responsibilities as other vehicle drivers?
--Speaking as a motorist, the lanes don't hurt the message. But I'm most impressed by the cyclists who position themselves in the lane according to the VEHICLE CODE; e.g. making a left turn from the right side of the left turn lane and maintaining that position throughout the execution of the turn. VERY impressive.
Do bike lanes help or hinder motorists in turning right properly in such a way as to reduce the possibility of collision with cyclists?
--Hinder.

Do bike lanes make cycling more or less safe?

--On balance, MORE safe for me. My experience as a cyclist and as a motorist is that cars and bikes really don't mix well except in congested traffic where EVERYONE is going 15 mph. Otherwise the practical fact is that bicycles need their own lane as the Europeans have demonstrated for decades.

--Thank you for these excellent questions.--