I've commuted by bike regularly for 4+ years (on and off for more than 10), and have used both bike lanes and separate bike paths. While each has its benefits and its downsides, I have to say that there is a HUGE problem with public awareness of a cyclists' rights in my area. Many people just don't look beyond the tips of their noses when they're in their cars. It really bothers me. That's part of the reason I try and stay off the main roads as much as possible.

I listen to my iPod when I ride on main roads and bike paths, and I do not give a damn if it's illegal in California. Other than the iPod, I obey all safety laws and keep to the right side of the bike lane. I may not always hear an approaching cyclist, but I'm not blocking the path either. Truthfully, the wind makes more noise than my music does, and I can hardly hear anything as it is.

Sometimes the stress is awful, and the music (mainly the earphones in my ears cutting back on harsh engines) takes the edge off. On my way into work, there is one intersection where I must cross a 2 lane, 50mph road in order to make a left turn at a stoplight, and it's more than I think I can bear sometimes because I have to cut through speeding traffic, who often HONK and drive too close. Even if I have my arm sticking out indicating I'm turning, one eye ahead, one eye back. I make eye contact. If they hit me, it's on THEM, but I'll be out my LIVELYHOOD or even my LIFE...if they even stop!

But even the separate bike paths have problems; mainly the pedestrians who walk 3-4 abreast, blocking the entire lane even if you yell. I give them plenty of warning too - at least 200 feet back I shout LOUD, make eye contact, and make sure they acknowledge my call. And, even when they do, they sometimes just look at you like a deer-in-the-headlights and don't get completely out of the way.

I just needed to vent... I don't have any real solutions to this problem. I've talked with the media and tried to explain the safety side of things, but for all the good it does when not everyone watches the same news channel at 11pm. It's stupid. I've just become increasingly aggressive when I ride, and that's not a good thing because it takes away from the enjoyment of cycling, which is what got me out there in the first place. I just don't care anymore if a car is behind me at a stoplight in the bike lane and I'm blocking their path to make a right hand turn. Or, if I'm in the outside right-turn/straight lane. They ought to be able to see me in my dayglow costume, being aggressive about my position on the road. I am where I am so I can be SEEN and not IGNORED.