Research shows that placing a barrier between the cyclist or the bike
lane and the auto traffic creates a greater risk for cyclists at intersections
(where most bike-car accidents occur). Cars do not see the bicyclists because of
the obstruction or are just not considering them because they are not right in
their line of vision and vise versa. Then comes the intersection and cars make a
right turn and cut-off the cyclist and the cyclist never sees the car turning
because of the physical separation.
-----Original Message-----What if the bike lanes were to switch places with the parking spaces. Then any dividing barriers wouldn't hinder parking, we wouldn't loose any parking or driving space for the bike lanes, and the bikers would still have a designated area.
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Naomi
Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2003 1:01 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: [UC] RE: Bike traffic increases dramatically on Spruce St
Naomi
White Dog Cafe
3420 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
http://www.whitedog.com
(215) 386-9224 x105
The Black Cat Gift Shop
3426 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
http://www.blackcatshop.com
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2003 12:22:17 EDT
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: [UC] RE: Bike traffic increases dramatically on Spruce St
In a message dated 10/9/03 12:08:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
In Cuba, they use low cement barriers spaced about 5 feet apart to separate the bike lanes from the traffic. Even though the traffic seems just as busy in parts of Havana, it is nearly impossible for cars to venture into the Bike Lanes during the straight aways. At the intersections, the border was marked with low-lying cement bumps that had reflectors in them. As a novice rider, I still felt completely safe at all times even with the cars just a few feet away. Perhaps we could lobby for something similar.Interesting thought -- but the roadways may not be wide enough, and barriers would create havoc with parking. Low bumps all along the bike lanes might work better than the paint they now use, though. Also, if you've driven the AC expressway (and I believe the 42/NS Freeway), you may have seen they've cut diagonal grooves into the pavement just on the inside of the breakdown lanes. If you wander over the line into these lanes, your tires "sing." It may not work at the low speeds we're supposed to drive on city streets -- but it may.
Al Krigman
