While your city planners may think that bike paths are a good idea, I have a real problem with them. They look like a sidewalk, and a driver has no idea what the "bike path" users are going to do. I don't have a problem with a lane in the road that is designated for bikes, but I do have a problem with separate paths.

I feel much safer in the road, behaving like a vehicle. If I need to make a turn, I make it in the same way that a car would. If I am crossing an intersection, I move further to the left so that a right-turning car will see my intention and won't turn into me. If I were on a path like the one in your photos - well, it appears that I would always need to stop in order to safely get across any cross streets.

I know there are riders out there who prefer bike paths - I'm just not one of them. I apologize in advance if my post is too strong, but it is something that I feel very strongly about.

And Sue - based on your comments, it sounds like you have some of the same problems with the bike paths that I do...

--- Denise