I do see value in using bike lanes sometimes. I think it helps those who are unsure get a little more confident about cycling in traffic. That said, one of the things that bike lanes do result in -- at least from what I've seen -- is the creation of bad habits. Namely, riding up on the right-hand side to the light by cyclists in areas where there are no bike lanes. And then blocking right-hand turning cars. The law says, to my understanding, that vehicles are NOT to pass on the right-hand side and that bicycles are vehicles.

From what I've seen, at least here in Toronto, is a lot of cyclists riding on the right-hand side, passing cars -- and not in a bike lane -- to the point where they "squish" by so they can get a "jump" on the car. I've even had this happen to me as a cyclist in a bike lane (geez. I was only in the middle of the lane -- they used part of the curb to get past me and then jump the light).

So simply: helps continue bad habits.

But that's my opinion.