Last weekend, three of us were at the end of a 52 mile bike ride that began at Wicks Pizza in New Albany. On the way back, we went down Spring and used the new bike lanes.
And then...some idiot lady passed us and turned right immediately after passing us. In other words, she turned right in front of us as we were traveling at a good speed. Just like we were not even there. Fortunately we all maneuvered our way through it all, not hitting her or each other or any other cars in the lanes.
We then decided to go on the other side, thinking maybe less people would be turning from that direction.
I never feel safe in bike lanes. I think they make drivers and pedestrians LESS aware of bikers than if we just take the lane. I don't like them.
What are your experiences?
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5 comments:
i have never been on a ride in new albany without some unwanted interaction with either locals on their porches yelling out obscenities, or a driver using me as target practice.
get off the road you biking idiots, roads are for licensed autos
I completely agree- bike lanes condition drivers to think that bicyclists belong elsewhere but in a regular traffic lane- they make drivers conditioned to NOT look for cyclists on regular roads that do not have bike lanes
And since we know we can NEVER have 100% of roads include a bike lane- then the best approach is:
1. education of cyclists as to what is best means to ride safely and legally
2. improved testing by state motor vehicle departments to ensure bikes are part of the knowledge base when getting or renewing a license
3. Real penalties when drivers hit a cyclist or create cycling hazards through improper driving
At least the ones in New Albany appear to be wider than the ones in Louisville, which typically are right up against car doors which can be very ouch-like.
The key to a bicycle-friendly world, from my view, is slowing down traffic, no segregating it.
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