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The problem for the cyclist is that s/he's often in an equal bind--ride in the bike lane next to a string of parked cars, and you never know which of those cars
by mullingitover 14y ago
The problem for the cyclist is that s/he's often in an equal bind--ride in the bike lane next to a string of parked cars, and you never know which of those cars is going to open their door at the exact wrong time. I have friends who have ended up in the emergency room with broken collarbones after getting 'doored.' Avoid the bike lane and ride in traffic, and you never know which sociopath behind the wheel is going to clip you.
- pnathan 14y agoTotally agreed: - car lane? now you disrupt cars. - bike lane? hope no one does something crazy. - sidewalk? swerving all over to avoid people/poles & likely illegal. Not a great set of choices.
- zecho 14y agoDooring is a huge fear of mine as a cyclist, as is getting sideswiped by a right-turning vehicle while I'm crossing an intersection. Also, sometimes I need to turn left, and that means merging into the auto lanes. Personally, I prefer most auto lanes to the bike lanes. I'm easily seen, I can see others and I can make maneuvers without being wedged between parked cars and moving traffic. That said, I plan routes that avoid as much traffic as possible. I hate getting stuck behind a cyclist when I'm driving, too.
- graeme 14y agoMontreal has nice bike lanes. They're usually physically separated from cars. No dooring, though you still have to watch for right turns.