Originally Posted by Daily Commute

Because I don't trust the government to distinguish between good and bad bike lanes. By definition, if they built it, they think it's good. I also don't trust them to decide how much of a hazard is sufficient to leave the lane. Consider these examples:

• If the bike lane has scattered pebbles but the traffic lane is clear, may I use the traffic lane?
• What if the bike lane is wet while the traffic lane is dry?
• What if the bike lane has road salt but the traffic lane is clear?
• What if I think I need to get over to the left lane to prepare for a left turn 1-3 blocks in advance, but the cop thinks I should wait until the last minute?
• What if the safe speed in the bike lane is 20 mph but the safe speed in the traffic lane is 35 mph?

In each of these cases, a cop and/or judge who doesn't ride in traffic could very easily side against the cyclist. I don't want to give them that discretion.

Finally, show me a bike lane design in which the stripe moves around to accomodate debris, potholes, wet pavement, changing traffic patterns, etc.