Those who know me are familiar with my constant preaching to “Claim Your Lane” as I feel bike lanes are too expensive, too hard to maintain and too sparsely implemented to give them critical mass. I propose that people learn to use the roads we already have and use them effectively.
This video explains my position quite well. 275 feet of bike lane with car parking on the right, putting people in the path of car doors and cars parallel parking. It is a must see!
Thanks for looking and I appreciate your comments!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello! My name is Dianne and I am a triathlete and business owner. I love the freedom that this sport allows me to experience with all 3 disciplines. During my travels, I make sure to get familiar with my surroundings and the “rules of the road”. This way, I am able to be adventurous and safe (as possible) at the same time. Perfect example: I am currently in Jacksonville, NC and I’ll be here for the next 2.5 weeks. After a bit of research, I was introduced to several local trails/paths that traverse the country and seaside…with no bike lanes what-so-ever. If your equipped with a GPS for the bike…use it. If you know how to read a cue sheet…do so. If you have a car, you can even travel the path at least once to acquire a “feel” for the landscape (I just did this today on a 20mi bike route).The bottom line is this: stop being lazy and/or complacent. Pay attention, learn your surroundings and enjoy the fact that you have the opportunity to enjoy the glorious outdoors. If none of that sounds appealing…get an indoor trainer. So, needless to say, I am all about “claiming your lane” and learning how to ride defensively. Remember, even when you are in a bike lane there is such a thing as driver’s-side doors swinging out without a moment’s notice.
Ouch! I was half expecting some dolt to open a car door or pull out into your path. I ride to work when I can and it’s scary enough on busy roads. This might actually make it worse!
Hi Andrew,
This got my attention too. Thanks so much for your comment. I do believe that some bike lanes are worse than just riding in the roads. I appreciate your comment.
Hi Dianne,
Wow, what a great comment! I am always looking for women to help me show the world that you can ride a bike on the road, safely and effectively. Please keep in touch and if you ever see something you want published on the blog, let me know. We want you to be involved!
Ride safe,
Kevin
The other day I was exploring through downtown Columbus, OH when I found this brilliant two lane paved bike path with dotted yellow line down the middle a long Ohio Center Way. I was just riding when all of a sudden I realize there is a bike path on the other side of the street. I thought great and hoped on it. After cruising a long for about a mile the path stops at a T intersection with no sign indicating where to go. I can see that if I go straight that there is not a continuation of the path or you can turn right but there is a wall there and it’s difficult to see where it goes. Anyone way I say screw it and continue straight but I was shocked later on when it up on google maps to see where that right turn would take me. Check it out from street view for yourself. (note that is the bike path ending on the right)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Columbus,+OH&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.396866,59.0625&ie=UTF8&ll=39.972339,-82.999392&spn=0.001932,0.003605&t=h&z=18&iwloc=A&layer=c&cbll=39.972425,-82.999385&panoid=ymNBInUTgccPeUI9VcjX3A&cbp=12,39.9090011472918,,0,7.812500000000002