Bike lanes are for bikes. They are there to keep riders safe from motorists. By having a separated or elevated section for cyclists, it creates a clear barrier from drivers. Painted lanes are better than nothing, but they do nothing to stop someone from parking or driving there–a dangerous situation for someone on a bike.
This might be a world record for delivery trucks parked in a Toronto bike lane
People use bike lanes to get to work or school, to ferry their children somewhere, or just to ride around town.
Despite ticketing by parking officers, and awareness efforts from city officials or cyclists themselves, people continue to park in bike lanes. Even if it’s “only for two minutes,” having a vehicle in a dedicated bike lane means that a rider must go into traffic. That can be extremely risky, no matter what time of the day.
This is the incredibly scary situation for kids when cars park in bike lanes
On Tuesday Redditor “Flimbs,” made the best comment about the practice of cars parking in bike lanes. It’s in the same witty style of criticism that Tom Flood, a popular bike advocate on Twitter who used, to point out the backwards logic of motorists sometimes. With so many new bike paths–that began as “pilot projects” during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Flood flipped the switch and spoke about an empty road. Since there are hardly any cars there, maybe that road “pilot project” should be cancelled?
“It’s with a very heavy heart that we will be removing this pilot road, just not enough people driving on it,” his tweet read. We encourage you to write an email to your councillor about future road opportunities. Please check our website for alternative car routes.”
The Reddit post showed a car clearly parking in a bike lane. The caption? “Protected car lanes make drivers feel safe from cars.” Chapeau, Flimbs. Chapeau. You win the Internet today.
Protected Car Lanes make drivers feel safe from cars (Conlins & Sheppard)
by u/flimbs in torontobiking
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…