Community Chat

[Twins Mom]

In our area we have some streets managed by the city and some by the county. After many years of delay a major road is finally being resurfaced. Long awaited. This road of about 2 miles connects major highways, shopping districts, has subdivisions, two churches, community center, two schools, and is used by buses from two school districts. With less than three weeks notice the county advised the city it would reduce driving lanes from 5 to 3 to give bike lanes in two directions. What are your feelings about (1) sneaky way county made decision without public input (2) providing bike lanes at expense of driving lanes? FYI most bikers on fair weather days for sport. Just wondering... my opinion is that county officials are pulling rank and kidnapping needed roadway just because they can. I don't think this is way to promote good will between drivers and bikers. (Bikers are given right of way on roads. Drivers can't drive in bike lanes.

[ALRATIBA]

I'm in favor of bike lanes.  I don't drive. We have them on all the major streets.

[libbyannE]

Bike lanes are safer, especially because, as you say, there are two schools along that road. I would rather have bicyclists in bike lanes versus slowing traffic when they have no choice but to pedal along in lanes with cars. 

[Its Me LuLuBelle2]

Here in NY we have thousands of miles of bike paths throughout the state.  Several years ago a law was instituted whereby motorists must "share the road" with bicyclists.  My issue with this is many times we the car driver are forced over solid yellow lines on blind curves as there are no shoulders and we have to move to accomodate cyclists.  I have written to all of my local representatives and two different governors stating that if we have to "share" the road with cyclists, then I think they should be paying their share of road taxes too (that's part of what registration fees go towards).  Cyclists should have to take a road test, be licensed and registered if they are going to drive on public roadways.  They, by law, are supposed to follow all traffic laws and sadly many don't.  I almost creamed a guy about 2 years ago.  I was on a major 4 lane road, had a green light and a cyclist blew through his red light in front of me.  I was standing on the brakes not to hit him. This at times has gotten to be one of those hot button issues for me with some of my cyclist friends.  They feel the motorist is responsible for THEIR safety and I say they're responsible for THEIR safety.

[Mz iMac]

"Bikers are given right of way on roads."

If there are dedicated bike lanes, bikers are suppose to stay in them.

Also, weither in bike lanes or in the street, bikers must follow the same traffic laws as automobiles.  Instead of having turning signal lights, they must BY LAW use hand signals.

If I am not mistaken, I think the above laws are the same in all 50 states.

[deepwaterdotter]

Madison, Wisconsin has dedicated bike lanes on most urban streets.  I suppose the fact that many university teachers/students commute by bicycle made bike lanes an urban planning priority.  I have never had a problem sharing the streets with bicycles when driving in Madison. 

[Jacie]

I am totally in favor of bike lanes. In Minnesota we have a great selection of bike trails and lanes all over the cities and state.

However, the bad behavior exhibited by bicyclists in this area make me want to scream.

They have totally taken over the trails, don't obey traffic laws and are a problem for motorists and pedestrians.

Sharing the road doesn't seem to sink in with some of them.

[cherry]

I live in a totally university dominated area. One is a big 10 school. The students really scare me. They not only, don't follow the norms, for riding in traffic, we also get skateboarders using the road as well. It's is scary

[Peaches McPhee]

I am in favor.  The fewer cars on the road, the better.  The safer, the better, too.

[occasionalrain]

I'm  in favor of bike lanes. There are those who would rather ride than drive but are concerned about safety  riding in traffic. The more bike riders, the fewer cars and the less air pollution which benefits all of us.