Bike Lanes

6 Comments

1. 

   Brian Decker

   June 8, 2011 at 11:37 pm

   A hilarious way of making a very valid point. I have seen some bicycle lanes that were dangerous due to blind spots. An example of this “was” along NW Grand Blvd east of May Avenue. This road is on my commute route, and they recently placed bike route signs along the sidewalk. There were two specific blind spots along the sidewalk between May and Greystone. One was a tree and the other was a business sign. I tried the sidewalk once at a cautious speed, and was amazed at how easily a motorist could hit me when emerging from behind the business sign. Fortunately, the bike route signs only lasted about a month before they were removed. I guess I was not the only one that noticed the dangers of riding on this particular sidewalk.
   • 

     Susan (Post author)

     June 9, 2011 at 9:25 am

     Brian,

     Exactly, hilarious but he makes a good point. I’m not familiar with the area you’re talking about, is it a sidewalk that’s marked as a bike path? The problem with those is they are extremely dangerous at intersections. There are studies that show that by far the safest place for people to ride their bike is on the road. Not what most people (those that don’t ride especially) think.
     • 

       Brian Decker

       June 9, 2011 at 1:17 pm

       Yes, it was a sidewalk that was marked as a bike path. I am thankful that the signs were recently taken down, as there were hazards at both intersections and driveways. Riding on the street in that area is definitely much safer.
       • 

         Susan (Post author)

         June 10, 2011 at 9:16 am

         There’s one of those sidewalk/bike paths along a busy street here, which I ride sometimes. Sometimes I ride on the road. No signs or anything to obstruct views but the intersections have to be crossed carefully. Last time I rode it a driver actually backed up from the stop sign (she was waiting for an opening so she could go) so I could cross without going behind her – ’bout fell off my bike! 🙂

         About sidewalks in general, I understand why parents have their kids ride on sidewalks but for most people, in most situations the road is safer.
2. 

   Kim

   June 9, 2011 at 9:49 pm

   Susan – thanks for sharing this. I put a link to the youtube site on my Facebook page. Columbia, MO is fairly friendly to cyclists, but we can always do better. Awareness, awareness, awareness!
   • 

     Susan (Post author)

     June 10, 2011 at 9:10 am

     You’re welcome, I love it too. You’re right – awareness is the key – for cyclists and motorists alike.