4 ms·
There's a Dutch traffic design principle that states traffic lanes should be separated by speed and mass. Pedestrians, cyclists, car drivers, and transit opera
by bsimpson 10y ago
There's a Dutch traffic design principle that states traffic lanes should be separated by speed and mass. Pedestrians, cyclists, car drivers, and transit operators each have their own independent infrastructure, because lighter/slower road users are by their nature much more vulnerable to harm when they collide with something faster/heavier. This traffic design principle is at the core of Vision Zero, the goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities. The difference between politicians in Holland and San Francisco is that the Dutch actually implement principles like this one to reduce traffic deaths, rather than using Vision Zero as an empty platitude at election time.
I'm furious for my own safety when drivers block the bike lane on Fell St. Cars are pouring down the hill at 40mph+ and not expecting a cyclist to take the lane, yet cyclists don't have a choice when their only other infrastructure is blocked by a selfish driver.
Yes, parking in San Francisco sucks. We can all agree on that. But, if you're going to park illegally, use a driveway. It's way less dangerous than blocking a bike lane, and it inconveniences fewer people too.
- stanleydrew 10y agoYes the Dutch are way ahead of us with this. It's disappointing, but I do think we'll get there eventually. I'm not sure what part of Fell St you are talking about, since the only part with a bike lane that I'm aware of is the section between Scott and Baker and there's no hill on that part. But I think you probably mean the section leading up to the left turn merge at Divisidero where there's also a lot of cars waiting in line for the gas station on the corner. I do sympathize, since as a cyclist myself I don't find that to be very safe either. I guess I don't understand the part that makes you "furious for my own safety" though. You have the power to be safe in this situation. Just stop behind the blocking vehicle until it's safe to go around. The traffic light at Scott will eventually be red, which will block the traffic on Fell "pouring down the hill at 40mph+". My own frustration with my fellow bicyclists' behavior is that a lot of us seem to think we deserve to never have to stop for any inconvenience ever. That we for some reason deserve to never have our feet touch the ground. Sometimes traffic slows or stops in front of you. Sometimes you have to wait until it's safe to go around. Automobiles do this all the time and don't often complain by slamming on the horn or endangering themselves and others by suddenly swerving and taking the lane. Those that do take those actions in response to the minor inconvenience that is stopping and safely waiting are rightly derided as jerks.
- jdavis703 10y agoI say this as an auto driver, it's way easier to start and stop a car than a bike. Things like rolling through stop signs (when clear and safe) makes perfect sense for bikers. Anyone who says differently is just jealous the bikes are moving faster and probably having more fun.
- deleted 10y ago[deleted]
- idunno246 10y agoI ride that stretch every day and for the amount of cars coming through it feels surprisingly safe. Most people going in or out of the gas station know what's up with the bikes and it's mostly protected. The tow trucks just past the light block things more. I do find it funny the number of illegal lefts onto fell from bikers, when most get caught at the divisidero light anyway. I feel bad for the driver who inevitably is going to hit a biker there.
- bsimpson 10y agoFWIW, turns are going to be prohibited from Fell onto Scott to avoid that problem.