When I left Madison in 1980 the bikes, buses, and right turns all shared the right lane westbound. It was pretty hairy both because the buses were pulling to the right to stop and also because having a bus tailgating you isn't fun.
As Mitch mentioned, the eastbound lane was a bus-only lane (I don't remember bikes using it, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen.) There was a t-shirt at the time that I regret not purchasing as a historical memento. It showed a stick figure on a bike leaning forward, depicting rushing or effort. Behind the bicyclist was a bus bearing down him, and the words, "I survived the bike lane on University Ave." I remember people stepping out into the eastbound bus without looking and a few close calls or collisions, although I don't remember and details. When I returned to Madison in 1986, the current arrangement was in place, and people were talking about the very bad collision between a bus and a student. I thought someone had been killed, but others have subsequently told me it was the loss-of-leg incident. I believe Arthur once told me that the University Ave eastbound lane was the first protected bike lane -- AKA cycletrack -- in the US. Robbie Webber Transportation Policy Analyst 608-263-9984 (o) [email protected] All opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer or any other group with which I am affiliated.
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