This series of viewpoints on bicycle lanes. What do you think? Good idea? Big mistake? http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/editorial/629028 Aug. 8, 2000, 6:53PM -- Viewpoints: Controversial bike lanes Lanes cause accidents Contrary to Shandra R. Boyett's Aug. 7 Viewpoints opinion that bicycle lanes promote safety ("City's rep is anti-bicycle"), they actually cause problems for vehicular traffic. The city has narrowed many already-narrow, four-lane streets down to two and added a bicycle lane, seldom used. More thought needs to go into this before the lanes take over the city's thoroughfares -- for a small minority. -- Pat Mann, Baytown Cyclists ought obey law I agree 100 percent with Shandra R. Boyett that there are thousands of active cyclists who have every right to be on our roads, but I am sick to death of watching them run stop signs and stop lights and generally disregard traffic laws. One morning recently, I stopped behind a car at a red light. In my rear-view mirror, I saw a bicyclist coming up behind me. A few seconds later, the light turned green and I followed the car in front of me as we both began to turn left. All of a sudden, the biker came up on my right and tried to turn left in front of me. She should have stayed behind, like any other vehicle, and waited for her turn with the other vehicles. If bicyclists want to be treated with respect while riding on the streets alongside cars, they need to observe the law. -- Frances Lavender, Houston Bikers' death sentence I agree that Houston isn't "bicycle friendly," but I haven't found many places in Texas that are. Lanes ending abruptly and filled with potholes, cracks and uneven sections of concrete, which also serve as the gutter, do not constitute "friendly." The Legislature has handed down a death sentence to any bicyclists brave enough to duel with motor vehicles under the current law. Unfortunately, part of the cost will be the many bicyclists killed or injured. Also, count on jammed streets and continued smog warnings. We need to elect a much brighter, caring and creative bunch to go to Austin. -- Michael Osterbuhr, Bryan Reality check is needed I question the logic of placing bike lanes on busy thoroughfares such as Briar Forest and Kirkwood, right next to automobiles, trucks, buses, etc. The long-term costs from the inevitable fatalities, injuries and heartbreaking accidents will exceed any benefit from these lanes. Has it gone unnoticed how motorists resent the cyclists? Or that the bike lanes are too narrow and dangerously bumpy to be safe? Cyclists will slow traffic down and create dangerous hazards. And the idea that people will commute to work on bikes in Houston's humidity is ridiculous. A reality check is needed here. Our neighborhoods need more sidewalks, not bike lanes. Put these tax dollars to use building first-class bike trails along creeks, bayous and abandoned right-of-ways. Quality cycling trails -- not miles of paint stripes -- will make this network an asset to the community. -- Edmund M. Fountain Jr., ------------------ Stay Cool...
I am so happy we have those lanes. I haven't had as much chance as I would like lately to ride them but I intend to use them a lot. These same arguments were used in other cities where bicycling is now commonplace. It takes time to adjust. When all the bikeways are done including the rails to trails projects, Houston will have more miles of bikeways than any other city in the nation - a good distinction in my book. In 10 years, no one will even think twice about them. ------------------ Save Our Rockets and Comets SaveOurRockets.com
I, like Jeff, am happy they exist. My wife rides her bike to work and uses some. If every street had a lane, it would be even easier for her. There will always be stupid people who do not follow rules of traffic. Bike lanes help to diminish this somewhat, but it is not foolproof. ------------------ "The living room is the factory... The product being manufactured... is you."
here on the east coast it's a good idea.. before they were installed i remember hearing every once in a while a student or someone getting hit by a speeding car or taxi. ------------------ barkley for president
They are a good "idea". But, in there current form they are not good for traffic. WIDEN THE DAMN STREETS, then put in a "bike lane". Don't narrow a two land street into one or whatever. Stupid. ------------------ I have a dream.........his name's Hakeem. DREAMer's Rocket Page
DREAMer: I have a better idea: NARROW THE DAMN CARS. ------------------ Save Our Rockets and Comets SaveOurRockets.com
In Washington DC we do not have bike lanes. I don't think we really need them here. I make a relatively easy commute by bike each day and have no concerns. DC has bike trails cutting clear across the district. Very isolated from traffic. My only problem is that the trip from Virginia to Maryland is all uphill! ------------------ humble, but hungry.
