[SDCBC] ignoring a detour & bike lane closed signs

[Sachi Wilson]

On 9 Jun 2007, at 5:59 pm, JonIsaacs at aol.com wrote:

>
> IMHO, the argument that "bike lanes are there to enhance the smooth  
> flow of traffic" does not make sense because they do not enhance  
> the smooth flow of traffic.    Rather, bicycle lanes result in a  
> "cat and mouse" game that is played at every intersection between  
> bicycles and other vehicles.
>
> Genesee Drive, discussed in another current thread, is a perfect  
> example of the disruptive influences of bicycle lanes.  At each of  
> the intersections, bicyclist are forced to cross in front of  
> speeding vehicles turning right only to cross over into the curb  
> lane again after the intersection.  This dance is far from a smooth  
> flow.
>
> Or perhaps not far away, the infamous I-5 / Gilman Drive  
> Interchange is a great example of bicycle lanes that not only  
> disrupt the smooth flow of traffic but actually are placed so as to  
> increase the risk to cyclists.
>
> I do believe there is a place for bicycle lanes.  I like having my  
> own space when riding up the hill on Genesee southbound to Governor  
> in stop and go traffic. But over the years of following this group,  
> I have slowly come to understand that many/most of the problems I  
> face when cycling in traffic are the result of those bicycle lanes  
> and their confusing and disruptive effect.

Agreed.  I can enjoy bike _paths_, which in my definition (Washington  
law-based) are entirely separate from roadways.  They would include  
(down here) the path around Miramar lake, or the Burke-Gilman trail  
in Seattle.  But as far as I am concerned, trying to divide off a  
bike "lane" on a roadway is asking for trouble.  We should be  
pressing for a wider curb lane so that bikes and cars can more easily  
share that lane safely, with enough room to avoid getting doored by  
parked cars and so that traffic can pass with three feet clearance.

In our dreams . . . :-)  But that's my opinion.

Sachi Wilson
Law Office of Sachi T Wilson
sachiwilson at sbcglobal.net