<br><div class="gmail_quote">On Jan 9, 2008 11:04 AM, Thomas Reynolds <<a href="mailto:thomas.treynolds@gmail.com">thomas.treynolds@gmail.com</a>> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">
Out in my neighborhood, Spring Valley, a 1.2 mile section of bike lane<br>on busy Jamacha Blvd has been taken away by K-rails placed over it,<br>forcing cyclists out into traffic.</blockquote><div><br>This statement implies that the bike lane kept cyclists out of traffic.
<br><br>We may disagree on the pros and cons of bike lanes, but please don't make the mistake of thinking that a bike lane is a facility that keeps you out of traffic.<br><br>Whether a street has a bike lane or not, a wide lane or a narrow lane, the bicyclist is part of traffic, and needs to think and behave accordingly. Any extent to which a bicyclist thinks a bike lane keeps him out of traffic is detrimental to his safety. This is particularly important whenever approaching any intersection or junction with a place that traffic can move in or out of. But same-direction motorists inadvertently drift into bike lanes and bicyclists in them that they have not noticed as well, so I stay alert in between junctions too.
<br><br>In order to improve my sight lines and conspicuity, during gaps in same-direction traffic I've developed the habit to merge out of the bike lane until the next platoon approaches, preferably not returning to the bike lane until I've been able to verify that I've been noticed. This technique requires the use of a rear view mirror to establish and maintain rearward situational awareness. Not only does this improve my sight lines and conspicuity, but it makes it more likely that I'm already properly positioned as I approach and enter each intersection.
<br><br>Anyway, next time you're riding in a bike lane, try to keep yourself from assuming you're not out in traffic. Don't be deceived by a 6 inch wide stripe of paint! To be sure, you're in traffic.<br>
<br>Serge<br><br>---<br></div><div><font color="#888888">NOTE: Any opinions expressed above are mine and not necessarily shared by any organization in which I am involve</font><br> </div></div>