Originally Posted by
Machka
My problem with narrowing the streets is that then the cyclists and motorized vehicles can't share the streets. If the streets are wide, then the car and the bicycle can be side by side and not get in each other's way. I am most comfortable when I cycle on wide streets, and the cars can zip past me without having to slow down for me.
What I don't like in the wide streets scenario is that it enables cars to speed. We have many wide, straight streets around here. Several of them have speed limits of 25mph, but most cars travel near 40.
The problem with cars that are unencumbered and travelling over 30mph is that a bicycle/car accident or even a ped/car accident is more likely to be fatal... and not for the driver of the car!
Slower moving traffic also make the street more livable. You wouldn't like a lot of cars speeding through your neighbourhood. You wouldn't feel that safe on the street. You wouldn't feel safe letting your kids out to play.
If cars need to speed, get on the freeway.
Otherwise, let the streets be designed for the inhabitants.