One would think that advocates of cycling would be in favor of bicycle lanes. You would be surprised that many cyclists and rollerbladers oppose bike lanes on the grounds that they will only protect you from rear-end collisions. Accidents mainly occur at intersections and by car doors opening onto the bike lanes.
On some of the busier streets, there are no bike lanes. Cyclists ride in the streets, sometimes blocking cars, and many cyclists only keep a minimum safe distance from vehicles’ passenger doors.
More often than not, cars have to veer over to make sure the cyclists have enough room to pass, and if there is a car next to them, that can lead to a dangerous chain reaction.
Many in Chicago do support bike lanes for the following reasons:
- Bike Lanes make riders feel safer.
- Bike lanes mean more cyclists.
- Cities that install bike lanes see an increase in the number of cyclists
- Many countries abroad have them.
- Many foreign countries have a lower rate of cyclist injuries.
- Even if bike lanes don’t help, it’s unlikely that they hurt.
- Some research shows that streets with and without bike lanes are about the same risk for cyclists. In that case, there’s no harm in installing the lanes, especially if they encourage more people to bike.
For those who ride with the flow of traffic where there are no bike lanes, that can be a dangerous combination. You can’t see what coming behind you, and let’s face it, not every driver is not a defensive driver.
Surveys have shown that some drivers get agitated with cyclists because they feel they are riding too far into the traffic lane.
There needs to be more education for both drivers and cyclists; the local DMV should have the same requirements to ride a bike as they do to drive. In some cities, you can get a ticket if you ride on the sidewalk. In Chicago, the police enforce that rule on Sheridan Road near Loyola University.
As drivers, we must be aware that cycling is prevalent, and to be mindful that cyclists travel among us on a daily basis. How many times have you opened your door while exiting your vehicle and almost hit a cyclist? Make sure you check your mirrors first before you exit your vehicle—it may save you from injuring a cyclist, and possibility yourself.
Most of all, cyclists need to ride defensively.
More often than not, there are cycling accidents because drivers don’t see them, especially at night. Make sure your bicycle is equipped with reflective gear and lights, and is equipped with a horn. Nowadays, you will see many cyclists wearing reflective vests—it’s hard not to see them.
Recently, our city experienced a tragic fatal accident on Damen and Addison, and it occurred because a truck driver didn’t see a cyclist until it was too late.
If you are a cyclist or rollerblader, make sure you are wearing your protective gear. A good helmet is mandatory. For rollerbladers, wear protective gear for your hands and wrists as well. Personally, I would go with wrist gloves, because if you fall they will protect your fingers from abrasion.
There has to be a mutual respect between drivers and cyclists. As a driver, cyclist, and rollerblader, I can see things from many angles. The end goal is for everyone to be safe and get where you are going, no matter your chosen mode of transportation.
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