Originally Posted by Pscyclepath

Bike lanes create a perception (some would say illusion) of safety, because drivers expect cyclists to stay on their side of the white line, and vice versa. Cyclists like the idea, because cars aren't supposed to go there.

The truth is that cars cross the lane at every driveway and intersection. And cyclists need to move to the left edge of the traffic lane at least every now and then because they need to make left turns.

They make traffic situations more complex, by introducing a new. partially segregated stream of traffic, and expecting everyone to blithely share intersections and other crossing areas.

They're useful,and they're a strong encouragement for more folks to ride. Just be careful out there...