"We still want to minimize the impact on traffic. We're looking for a way to make more room for the cars," says Jim Sebastian, DDOT's bicycle program manager.
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That comment is being met with fierce criticism from some bike advocates.
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"That floors me. Those words (about returning space to cars) should never come out of the mouth of a bike coordinator," said one city bicycle official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
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Can bikers and drivers coexist peacefully?
Yes, I'm confused about the fuss. The CTC, the UK's main cycle advocacy group, has an entire section dedicated to reporting dangerous bike lanes. Perhaps the USA advocacy is still in the "any bike lane is better than no bike lane." mindset. Or more likely the DC advocates are concerned the poor design statement is just an excuse to give back some real estate to automobiles. Cyclists have generally been treated so badly we are legitimately hypersensitive.
ReplyDeleteNow to comment on the Savannah Bike lanes post by Sarah.