Originally Posted by sggoodri

Where mandatory bike lane use laws exist, many people may interpret the law as not allowing vehicular cycling techniques that involve more leftward positioning at junction approaches or to avoid other hazards. Many intepret the placement of the bike lane by the DOT as being the ultimate authority on where cyclists are allowed to operate, even if the lane is poorly designed and maintained (which includes many AASHTO compliant lanes). Even without such laws, bike lanes that are marked in locations contraindicated by defensive bicycle driving stigmatize cyclists who operate more safely and this increases motorist harassment.