5 ms·

Cycle lanes tend to be designed for speeds below that which a cyclist of even average ability is capable (otherwise, they would tend to more closely resemble ro

Cycle lanes tend to be designed for speeds below that which a cyclist of even average ability is capable (otherwise, they would tend to more closely resemble roads). Sheltered from motorised traffic, they cater to a wider age, experience and ability range, and the fact that they are typically narrower than roads exacerbates problems that arise from mixed-ability/experience users sharing same facility. Features of cycle lanes[1] tend to put cyclists in closer proximity to pedestrians than they would be on a road, and this creates a lack of physical and psychological separation that further reduces practical speed (and utility). They also create new challenges such as situations[2] requiring a cyclist to observe a 270°-arc on the approach to a junction. In the last example, it doesn't matter if I have right of way, and it doesn't matter if I'm wearing a helmet; all it takes is a motorist not to be paying attention or to misjudge my speed and I could be the victim of a fatal accident, and that's not a risk that I'm willing to take. [1] https://i.imgur.com/CkAxcE5.jpg https://i.imgur.com/CkAxcE5.jpg [2] https://i.imgur.com/0q9PadV.jpg https://i.imgur.com/0q9PadV.jpg

ndnxhs 8y ago
Those multi use paths in my city are almost all full of people on their phones. You basically have to go at walking pace.
- crote 8y ago
  Or yell loudly at them. If the bike paths are obvious, people will quickly get used to them, especially if they themselves also bike on them regularly. But multi-use paths where pedestrians mix with cyclists should be avoided at all costs.
crote 8y ago
About the first example: something like this should only be used in a highly urbanized area, where it's impossible to bike very fast anyways. A path like this shouldn't cater to cycling above 15mph, and the speed limit for cars is probably going to be around 25mph. A path like this isn't going to be a major through-road. About the second example: The problem is legality. First, note the setback. This already greatly improves visibility. Second, the cyclist doesn't need a 270-degree arc: due to the setback, the cyclist (with right-of-way) will be visible to the driver at a 45-degree angle. Hitting them would be gross negligence. I agree that it's not a risk you should be willing to take. The problem is fixing the traffic laws. Cyclists (and pedestrians!) should be considered as vulnerable. In The Netherlands, the driver will almost always be considered to be at fault in car-cyclist accidents, unless gross negligence by the cyclist can be proven. Killing a cyclist can easily result in a 2- to 4-year jail sentence if the driver is at fault. "He had right-of-way, but I just didn't see him" should never be a valid defence.

ndnxhs 8y ago

Those multi use paths in my city are almost all full of people on their phones. You basically have to go at walking pace.

crote 8y ago
Or yell loudly at them. If the bike paths are obvious, people will quickly get used to them, especially if they themselves also bike on them regularly. But multi-use paths where pedestrians mix with cyclists should be avoided at all costs.

crote 8y ago

About the first example: something like this should only be used in a highly urbanized area, where it's impossible to bike very fast anyways. A path like this shouldn't cater to cycling above 15mph, and the speed limit for cars is probably going to be around 25mph. A path like this isn't going to be a major through-road. About the second example: The problem is legality. First, note the setback. This already greatly improves visibility. Second, the cyclist doesn't need a 270-degree arc: due to the setback, the cyclist (with right-of-way) will be visible to the driver at a 45-degree angle. Hitting them would be gross negligence. I agree that it's not a risk you should be willing to take. The problem is fixing the traffic laws. Cyclists (and pedestrians!) should be considered as vulnerable. In The Netherlands, the driver will almost always be considered to be at fault in car-cyclist accidents, unless gross negligence by the cyclist can be proven. Killing a cyclist can easily result in a 2- to 4-year jail sentence if the driver is at fault. "He had right-of-way, but I just didn't see him" should never be a valid defence.