Are bike lanes safe or just offer an illusion of safty?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,018
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
here is the data used in the article:
Pedalcyclists Killed, by Age and Location - State : USA, Year : 2007
Pedalcyclists Killed, by Time of Day and Day of Week - State : USA, Year : 2007
Pedalcyclists Killed in Single Vehicle Crashes, by Vehicle Type and Initial Point of Impact - State : USA, Year : 2007
Pedalcyclists Killed, by Related Factors - State : USA, Year : 2007
https://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/People...lcyclists.aspx
Pedalcyclists Killed, by Age and Location - State : USA, Year : 2007
Pedalcyclists Killed, by Time of Day and Day of Week - State : USA, Year : 2007
Pedalcyclists Killed in Single Vehicle Crashes, by Vehicle Type and Initial Point of Impact - State : USA, Year : 2007
Pedalcyclists Killed, by Related Factors - State : USA, Year : 2007
https://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/People...lcyclists.aspx
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 53
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The one thing I like about segregated lanes is that I feel more at ease to go slow. When I'm riding in the midst of traffic, I often feel pressured to keep my speed above 10 miles per hour, which can make steep hills and long distances less enjoyable.
I personally think sharrows are a better option, but if the illusion of safety that lanes provide gets more people riding, perhaps that's a good thing.
I personally think sharrows are a better option, but if the illusion of safety that lanes provide gets more people riding, perhaps that's a good thing.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Space Coast, Florida
Posts: 2,465
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 21 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
It's a good article, worth reading. I think bike lanes increase safety becuae they help keep cars and bike segregated. But, as the article points out, the dangers of intersections still remain. The bike lane is great between intersections, but getting out of the lane and into trafic at the intersection usually is the best strategy.
#5
LCI #1853
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Scott. Arkansas
Posts: 663
Bikes: Trek Madone 5.2, Fisher Caliber 29er, Orbea Onix
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bike lanes create a perception (some would say illusion) of safety, because drivers expect cyclists to stay on their side of the white line, and vice versa. Cyclists like the idea, because cars aren't supposed to go there.
The truth is that cars cross the lane at every driveway and intersection. And cyclists need to move to the left edge of the traffic lane at least every now and then because they need to make left turns.
They make traffic situations more complex, by introducing a new. partially segregated stream of traffic, and expecting everyone to blithely share intersections and other crossing areas.
They're useful,and they're a strong encouragement for more folks to ride. Just be careful out there...
The truth is that cars cross the lane at every driveway and intersection. And cyclists need to move to the left edge of the traffic lane at least every now and then because they need to make left turns.
They make traffic situations more complex, by introducing a new. partially segregated stream of traffic, and expecting everyone to blithely share intersections and other crossing areas.
They're useful,and they're a strong encouragement for more folks to ride. Just be careful out there...
#6
Part-time epistemologist
Do people really call themselves "Foresterites"? I thought it was a term that other people called them.
__________________
A narrative on bicycle driving.
A narrative on bicycle driving.
#8
www.theheadbadge.com
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,487
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 121 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2395 Post(s)
Liked 4,337 Times
in
2,070 Posts
#9
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Depending on painted lines for an illusion of safety is gonna make you have a bad day sooner or later.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tampa/St. Pete, Florida
Posts: 9,352
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock Mountain (Stolen); Giant Seek 2 (Stolen); Diamondback Ascent mid 1980 - 1997
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 62 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
here is the data used in the article:
Pedalcyclists Killed, by Age and Location - State : USA, Year : 2007
Pedalcyclists Killed, by Time of Day and Day of Week - State : USA, Year : 2007
Pedalcyclists Killed in Single Vehicle Crashes, by Vehicle Type and Initial Point of Impact - State : USA, Year : 2007
Pedalcyclists Killed, by Related Factors - State : USA, Year : 2007
https://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/People...lcyclists.aspx
Pedalcyclists Killed, by Age and Location - State : USA, Year : 2007
Pedalcyclists Killed, by Time of Day and Day of Week - State : USA, Year : 2007
Pedalcyclists Killed in Single Vehicle Crashes, by Vehicle Type and Initial Point of Impact - State : USA, Year : 2007
Pedalcyclists Killed, by Related Factors - State : USA, Year : 2007
https://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/People...lcyclists.aspx
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tampa/St. Pete, Florida
Posts: 9,352
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock Mountain (Stolen); Giant Seek 2 (Stolen); Diamondback Ascent mid 1980 - 1997
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 62 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
The one thing I like about segregated lanes is that I feel more at ease to go slow. When I'm riding in the midst of traffic, I often feel pressured to keep my speed above 10 miles per hour, which can make steep hills and long distances less enjoyable.
I personally think sharrows are a better option, but if the illusion of safety that lanes provide gets more people riding, perhaps that's a good thing.
I personally think sharrows are a better option, but if the illusion of safety that lanes provide gets more people riding, perhaps that's a good thing.
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tampa/St. Pete, Florida
Posts: 9,352
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock Mountain (Stolen); Giant Seek 2 (Stolen); Diamondback Ascent mid 1980 - 1997
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 62 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
It's a good article, worth reading. I think bike lanes increase safety because they help keep cars and bike segregated. But, as the article points out, the dangers of intersections still remain. The bike lane is great between intersections, but getting out of the lane and into traffic at the intersection usually is the best strategy.
I've got to agree with you that at intersections that it is best to get out with traffic. That way you are more visible. And you can (hopefully) observe turn signals. Granted with the infrequency that some drivers use their turn signals you'd think that they were disabled at the factory. :-(
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tampa/St. Pete, Florida
Posts: 9,352
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock Mountain (Stolen); Giant Seek 2 (Stolen); Diamondback Ascent mid 1980 - 1997
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 62 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Bike lanes create a perception (some would say illusion) of safety, because drivers expect cyclists to stay on their side of the white line, and vice versa. Cyclists like the idea, because cars aren't supposed to go there.
The truth is that cars cross the lane at every driveway and intersection. And cyclists need to move to the left edge of the traffic lane at least every now and then because they need to make left turns.
They make traffic situations more complex, by introducing a new. partially segregated stream of traffic, and expecting everyone to blithely share intersections and other crossing areas.
They're useful,and they're a strong encouragement for more folks to ride. Just be careful out there...
The truth is that cars cross the lane at every driveway and intersection. And cyclists need to move to the left edge of the traffic lane at least every now and then because they need to make left turns.
They make traffic situations more complex, by introducing a new. partially segregated stream of traffic, and expecting everyone to blithely share intersections and other crossing areas.
They're useful,and they're a strong encouragement for more folks to ride. Just be careful out there...
#16
www.theheadbadge.com
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,487
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 121 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2395 Post(s)
Liked 4,337 Times
in
2,070 Posts
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tampa/St. Pete, Florida
Posts: 9,352
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock Mountain (Stolen); Giant Seek 2 (Stolen); Diamondback Ascent mid 1980 - 1997
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 62 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
It would be nice IF there was room for a road for cars, a road for bicycles, a road for roller bladers/skaters, etc. But there isn't enough room to make roads for everyone and we'd still have to contend with intersections.
#18
www.theheadbadge.com
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Southern Florida
Posts: 28,487
Bikes: https://www.theheadbadge.com
Mentioned: 121 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2395 Post(s)
Liked 4,337 Times
in
2,070 Posts
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 478
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Forester’s opinion is that bike lanes were not devised to keep cyclists safe, but rather to keep them from interfering with car traffic.
#21
genec
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: West Coast
Posts: 27,079
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13658 Post(s)
Liked 4,531 Times
in
3,157 Posts
It is only an illusion... paint offers no physical protection, and thus no added safety.
However, that said, paint does help define spaces, and drivers are used to "staying between the lines."
BL also indicate that cyclists should use the road, but unfortunately BL also seem to indicate where cyclists are expected to "stay."
However, that said, paint does help define spaces, and drivers are used to "staying between the lines."
BL also indicate that cyclists should use the road, but unfortunately BL also seem to indicate where cyclists are expected to "stay."
#22
Lance Legweak
Bike lanes allow alert drivers to see there is something special, but it doesn't help the idiot who is HUA!
#23
Cycle Year Round
#24
Cycle Year Round
Bike lanes are convenient storage areas for broken glass, gravel, wires from steel belted tires, plowed snow, sand (formerly used for traction), etc.
Bike lanes reduce cyclist safety at intersections/driveways and encourage motorist to pass cyclist closer because the line tells them that a close pass is now OK.
Bike lanes reduce cyclist safety at intersections/driveways and encourage motorist to pass cyclist closer because the line tells them that a close pass is now OK.
#25
-=Barry=-
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Baltimore, MD +/- ~100 miles
Posts: 4,077
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The article quoted in the op is really poor:
No safety in numbers... the number of cyclists killed has hovered around 800 for each of the past six years [shouldn't that number be increasing???]
The curb lane at this intersection [where a fatal bike accident occurred] ... the safety claims made for bicycle lanes are unfounded. [A curb lane does not conform to AASHTO standards for a bike lane.]
The author cites an accident involving a commercial truck whose drivers are taught that cyclists are hazards and to tap the horn at them but the problem is definitely bike lanes because there was not one present in this accident. As well as ignoring the fact that trucks have a disproportionate number of bike fatalities where the initial point of contact is the right side.
https://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/People...3_lblTableName
No safety in numbers... the number of cyclists killed has hovered around 800 for each of the past six years [shouldn't that number be increasing???]
The curb lane at this intersection [where a fatal bike accident occurred] ... the safety claims made for bicycle lanes are unfounded. [A curb lane does not conform to AASHTO standards for a bike lane.]
The author cites an accident involving a commercial truck whose drivers are taught that cyclists are hazards and to tap the horn at them but the problem is definitely bike lanes because there was not one present in this accident. As well as ignoring the fact that trucks have a disproportionate number of bike fatalities where the initial point of contact is the right side.
https://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/People...3_lblTableName