That bike lane doesn’t really look that safe anyway. With the amount of space it took, they could easily have installed more physical seperation like larger curbs, bollards, a line of trees. I don’t even see the texturing they use on the asphalt to warn drivers they are exiting their lane. The current design offers no protection against drunk or distracted driving. Even something as simple as a car pulling over for a firetruck could result in a collision with a cyclist.
That white car further down in the picture demonstrates exactly why you need protected bike lanes. For crying out loud you could fit two cars in that lane and they still can’t stay inside it.
Also a good argument for that texturing i was talking about. The driver may not be aware of how far over the line they are. With the texturing it is difficult to ignore the lines.
Yes, and if there was texture it would be felt in the car. The markings I’m refering are small bumps on or beside the line. They make the vehicle vibrate and produce a loud noise when a tire drives on them. It might make them look up from their phone
I see now. “Might”. I would much like the tree separation you mentioned, not only a physical barrier but a noise and wind breaker. But it would cost more… :(
My understanding is they are very cheap to install relatively speaking. All lanes should really have them, they are really useful even for regular driving. For example if you have to cross a shoulder line or center line it can give the driver a better idea of exactly where the line and their vehicle is. They also help find the shoulder or center line if some snow is covering the paint. If pulling over all the way onto the shoulder, you know when you are completely out the lane after the second set of vibrations.
Which is why I always ride on the sidewalk. In my city the bike lane (assuming there is one) is separated by nothing but a line of paint. You’d have to be suicidal to use that shit.
That bike lane doesn’t really look that safe anyway. With the amount of space it took, they could easily have installed more physical seperation like larger curbs, bollards, a line of trees. I don’t even see the texturing they use on the asphalt to warn drivers they are exiting their lane. The current design offers no protection against drunk or distracted driving. Even something as simple as a car pulling over for a firetruck could result in a collision with a cyclist.
That white car further down in the picture demonstrates exactly why you need protected bike lanes. For crying out loud you could fit two cars in that lane and they still can’t stay inside it.
Also a good argument for that texturing i was talking about. The driver may not be aware of how far over the line they are. With the texturing it is difficult to ignore the lines.
They aren’t aware, but I guarantee it’s not because of the markings. Probably looking at their phone.
Yes, and if there was texture it would be felt in the car. The markings I’m refering are small bumps on or beside the line. They make the vehicle vibrate and produce a loud noise when a tire drives on them. It might make them look up from their phone
I see now. “Might”. I would much like the tree separation you mentioned, not only a physical barrier but a noise and wind breaker. But it would cost more… :(
My understanding is they are very cheap to install relatively speaking. All lanes should really have them, they are really useful even for regular driving. For example if you have to cross a shoulder line or center line it can give the driver a better idea of exactly where the line and their vehicle is. They also help find the shoulder or center line if some snow is covering the paint. If pulling over all the way onto the shoulder, you know when you are completely out the lane after the second set of vibrations.
Which is why I always ride on the sidewalk. In my city the bike lane (assuming there is one) is separated by nothing but a line of paint. You’d have to be suicidal to use that shit.