Quote Originally Posted by donnambr
Highly Opinionated Observations from riding my bike in very bike-friendly Portland, OR:

Dedicated multi-use paths are always more expensive than striping bike lanes, generally a lot more. They don't always go where you want to go, which is usually where people travelling in cars want to go, too. When

A well-planned MUP that goes where cyclists need to go can be a wonderful addition to a region's bicycle infrastructure.

Bike lanes are great on roads with certain traffic patterns. It really helps when your state has a law that gives cyclists the right-of-way while they are in the bike lane.

Bike lanes aren't so great when your state has a law that makes you use them if they're there. Not all bike lanes are well-planned. Not all roads or streets need bike lanes.

Bicycle facilities like curb extensions, traffic circles, speed bumps, intersections that force cars to turn but allow bikes to go straight through and other such things that help slow down automobile traffic can make neighborhoods friendlier places, and even people who don't ride bikes appreciate them. Inexperienced cyclists feel more confident about riding.

Not all streets are good places to put bicycle facilities. Not all bicycle facilities make cycling easier or are safe. Sometimes the only way to safely travel on a street or road is to act like a car. There is no excuse for cyclists who choose to remain ignorant of how to ride safely in the road.

Sometimes acting like a car is the most dangerous thing to do. That's why bicycle facilities are so helpful.

Do you notice that my statements are full of contradictions and circular logic? That's because there is no single solution. The best thing regional/city planners can do is look at other places for what works and what doesn't, listen to the experiences of their local cycling population, put in what they hope will work in their area, and be willing to admit mistakes, learn from them, and make corrections when necessary.
I'm taking this to work and putting it on my bulletin board so I can read it every day! I'm a city planner. Thanks!