We all complain about how the cars treat bikes. I know, because I have been hit twice (both times the auto did not see me) riding. Our City, Spokane, WA is holding some hearings on how to improving biking.
I feel somewhat ambigious about bike lanes. While they sound great in theory, I find the practice to be different. The autos push debris into the lanes, cars (illegalily) park in them, and they are especially dangerous at stoplights, because of the autos turning right. Here in Washington cyclists are allowed in the lane of traffic (not required to use the bike lane) and entitiled to a full lane, but the cars often feel that the bike, inspite of the the debris and parked cars, should be in the bike lane.
I saw the note in another thread about the PDX bike boxes, and thought that was very interesting. Locally, they are suggesting Bike Boulevards (parallel streets to artials which give the bikes right of way) which give me concern because I think they will identify alternative routes for the cars.
While bike paths sound great too, I just don't see where we have the public money to fund them (we already have a few well used paths here).
Personally, I think it is best to just make the right lane wider.
I want to know what your thoughts on what Spokane can do to improve the quality of bike transportation.
I feel somewhat ambigious about bike lanes. While they sound great in theory, I find the practice to be different. The autos push debris into the lanes, cars (illegalily) park in them, and they are especially dangerous at stoplights, because of the autos turning right. Here in Washington cyclists are allowed in the lane of traffic (not required to use the bike lane) and entitiled to a full lane, but the cars often feel that the bike, inspite of the the debris and parked cars, should be in the bike lane.
I saw the note in another thread about the PDX bike boxes, and thought that was very interesting. Locally, they are suggesting Bike Boulevards (parallel streets to artials which give the bikes right of way) which give me concern because I think they will identify alternative routes for the cars.
While bike paths sound great too, I just don't see where we have the public money to fund them (we already have a few well used paths here).
Personally, I think it is best to just make the right lane wider.
I want to know what your thoughts on what Spokane can do to improve the quality of bike transportation.