Cycle tracks.... what do you think?

[Eden]

I am not a fan of cycle tracks in general. I think that even uni-directional ones are at best slightly less safe at intersections and bi-directional ones are somewhat suicidal. I think they provide a bit of a distraction to motorists and cyclists and create a situation for cyclists that makes it more difficult to navigate (it's like being on a limited access roadway), though they do at least provide a car door free area for riders who either don't know better or are too timid to ride a safe distance from parked cars.

The way they are being set up here they increase the amount of conflict between pedestrians and bicycles, as there are bus stops on the street side of the protected lane, which means people exiting or entering buses end up crossing/or waiting in the bike lane...(and may not treat it like a traffic lane - I saw a guy standing in it texting...) I don't think the little bit of curbing put in for a cycle track is any better than simply removing on street parking. I do think that any bike lane/wide lane that is shared with cars greatly increases he likelihood of being right hooked, so have a personal preference to using streets without any sort of "accommodation". I want motorists to be very aware that they are passing me - putting me off in a separated lane removes me from their immediate thinking, so they can pass me without even noticing then suddenly turn...

I do accept that not everyone is fast enough or comfortable enough to ride like I do, however I remain unconvinced that this is a good solution. I dislike the idea of anyone creating an illusion of safety - it makes everyone, cyclists and motorists alike more complacent and less careful. Even European countries do not recommend this type of facility for the type of areas that Seattle is putting them on- city streets. Experience from other countries indicates that the design and location of cycle tracks can greatly impact their safety. Cycle tracks may be appropriate along roads that have high vehicle speeds and high traffic volume, but few intersections, driveways, and other junctions (From a Florida DOT study) The street near me is a regular city street with a 30mph speed limit and normal short Seattle city blocks - not a place that is appropriate at all.