BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

Interesting that the article frowns on bike lanes. For all their problems, I feel like the bike lines here have made a big positive difference. Cool article though.

The article was written by a vehicular cyclist, I think. Which is fine, they make some good points, especially about taking the lane, but they are too negative on bike lanes, in my opinion. Emphasizing the accidents that can happen with bike lanes at intersections ignores the fact that intersections are problematic for any vehicle, including cars. Taking the lane is a great strategy, and I use it all the time, but properly planned bike lanes work well, too, are especially useful for new riders, make it easier to manage bike traffic in cities, and reduce conflict between cyclists and motorists.

I think it's important to distinguish between barriered bike lanes and cycle tracks, which actually separate bikes from traffic, and lanes that are just white lines on the pavement, which often---not always, but frequently---do little to make anyone safe.

Good Bike Lanes > No Bike Lanes > Bad Bike Lanes I get yelled at from time to time to "Get In the Bike Lane!" on Beechwood Blvd where the shoulder is for parking (the part near the corner intersection with Hazelwood Ave.). There is a sign that says "Bike Lane" which just makes matters worse.

I didn't read it as negative toward bike lanes, more as something to point out for intersections. If you're in a lane and keeping straight stay in bike lane. But if you're in a lane and will be turning left, it's important to get out of that lane well in advance and join traffic in order to make that turn. Just because there's a bike lane, doesn't mean you have to be in it (in most states).