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I think bikers need to use their best instincts when it comes to driving in traffic. Certain streets are dangerous for bikers: when there's lots of activities out of parked cars, people changing lanes frequently, narrow lanes (Killingsworth comes to mind). Use shared streets instead - they're calmer, and drivers usually know that bikers have equal rights to the road. I want make sure people see me, so I like to drive in the middle of the lane.

Some bike lanes are right next to parked cars, which is dangerous if a person opens their car door without looking. Bikers are supposed to be at least three feet from parked cars, which pretty much puts us in the middle of the lane. If you're out in traffic, then you should "act like a vehicle" and obey all traffic laws. Bike lanes are great for places like bridges or other big structures where bicyclists need extra protection. That said, I don't use the bike lane for turning when coming off the bridge. I'd rather merge with traffic or get on the sidewalk and use the crosswalk - the bike turn lanes are scary.

I think Portland's combination of shared-road (bike/car) streets, bike lanes, and bike boxes are great.
I would ask that all bicyclists wear helmets and only use the sidewalk when absolutely necessary. Sidewalk bicyclists are the most likely to get hit by turning cars, because drivers are not expecting something as fast as a bike to come through the crosswalk. As for drivers (which I often am), honking your horn does not help anyone - I'm on a bicycle, not deaf. Get out of your car and stop being so angry.

posted 5 years, 1 month ago
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