Edge Lane Roads a.k.a. Advisory Bike Lanes

Post by Fatnino » Sun, May 15, 2022, 6:09 PM UTC

cowmoo728 wrote: post #9

I recently did a few consecutive full day bicycle trips around the Netherlands and rode on many roads like this. I felt safe and drivers were respectful and patient when passing. I would never ride on one of these in the US. I can already imagine the Amazon delivery van or work truck parked in the bicycle section, forcing me into the center. I can also imagine the impatient drivers accelerating way beyond the speed l…

Have you been on Tunitas Creek Road? It's in San Mateo County and runs from the top of the hill at 35 down to 1 on the beach.

It's a pretty narrow road through redwood forest and since cars avoid it, cyclists treat it as a bike route.

Post by Beltalowda » Sun, May 15, 2022, 9:11 PM UTC

murphyslab wrote: post #81

Beltalowda wrote: post #76

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I lived in the Netherlands, England, Ireland, and New Zealand; England and Ireland are not "bike countries" either, but for the most part it was actually pretty okay cycling in the city: there are enough cyclists around, roads are small, and most people understand that the limited space needs to be shared. New Zealand, however, was a different story. The roads are huge, US-style, and a significant number of cyclists…

> I think the mandatory helmet laws aren't helping either: it instils the impression that you're doing something inherently dangerous on a space not intended for you. Oddly, the use of helmets may alter the perceptions of drivers opposite to what you suggest. There have been a couple studies showing that drivers, when seeing a bicycle commuter wearing a helmet, give that bicycle rider *less* room upon passing, compar…

> the use of helmets may alter the perceptions of drivers opposite to what you suggest

I think both can be true:

1. "cyclists are better protected, so less need to be careful"

2. "cyclists are engaging in something dangerous and unusual because they need to wear a helmet".

I looked at this a few years ago, and I found most studies on the topic inconclusive, some studies with contradicting results, etc. so in general I'm a bit hesitant citing studies on the topic.

Re: Edge Lane Roads a.k.a. Advisory Bike Lanes

Re: Edge Lane Roads a.k.a. Advisory Bike Lanes