Counterflow
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Toronto, Canada
Bikes: Dahon Mu P24, Trek 7300
Counterflow
What's your experience with counterflow - going "the wrong way" on an one-way street (when it's safe to do, of course)? On my way to work there is this one way street by condo buildings that I take when the bike path is snowy and icy (they don't clear that stretch of the path). I meet very few cars there, but a dog-walker shouted at me a couple of times that I was going the wrong way. If I were to go "the right way", it would be quite a detour. From some Dutch videos I could see that bike traffic counterflow is used there quite normally.
#2
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 12,948
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From: England
In the UK, there are some streets that have bike right of way in the contraflow direction.
In some larger cities, esp central London, whole quarters are designed with one-way to prevent rat-running (cars sneaking short cuts though the small streets). Usually there is a small section of connecting one-way that prevents through-traffic. Sometimes this is legal for cyclists to use, sometimes not. Being illegal seems to have no effect and I would happily ride illegal contraflow on an narrow , empty street rather than play dodge the bus on main roads.
In some larger cities, esp central London, whole quarters are designed with one-way to prevent rat-running (cars sneaking short cuts though the small streets). Usually there is a small section of connecting one-way that prevents through-traffic. Sometimes this is legal for cyclists to use, sometimes not. Being illegal seems to have no effect and I would happily ride illegal contraflow on an narrow , empty street rather than play dodge the bus on main roads.
#3
"Per Ardua ad Surly"
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,416
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From: Kitchener, Ontario
Bikes: Bianchi Specialissima, Mongoose Hilltopper ATB, Surly Cross-Check, Norco City Glide
I don't generally do it BUT there is one spot on my commute where I have the choice either going straight across a busy street onto a one way or turn right and attempt to make a left (sans turn lane) on to the next side street in order to not go the wrong way. Considering that the stretch I want to use is only one block long and there is virtually no traffic I use it all the time. No one has ever said anything to me and it is far safer than attempting the left turn.
#5
I admit it, there's a two-block stretch where I'll do it sometimes to avoid the cramp in the right side traffic especially with inclement weather. One block against the flow and a block on the sidewalk. It makes me nervous though and a little guilty because I know that any incident would be my fault.
#6
Subjectively Insane
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 801
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From: Saint Louis, Missouri
Bikes: '09 Rodriguez Adventurer Custom, '08 Trek 7.3Fx
It's sketch. Drivers turn off cross streets and leave parking spaces without expecting ya, people walk into the road without looking your way. I'd not do it regularly, but if it's a better option, then just keep your head up.
#7
"Per Ardua ad Surly"
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ontario
Bikes: Bianchi Specialissima, Mongoose Hilltopper ATB, Surly Cross-Check, Norco City Glide
I don't generally do it BUT there is one spot on my commute where I have the choice either going straight across a busy street onto a one way or turn right and attempt to make a left (sans turn lane) on to the next side street in order to not go the wrong way. Considering that the stretch I want to use is only one block long and there is virtually no traffic I use it all the time. No one has ever said anything to me and it is far safer than attempting the left turn.
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