So Google released Google Transit that allows commuters to calculate traveling time and direction within the metro area via public transit, and that’s totally cool - but doesn’t apply to me. What’s really cool is Portland Metro made a Google Earth map for cyclists.
After yesterday’s bike ride, Tim had the thought of scanning the map he bought and make a layer for Google Earth, but now we found out Metro already did that, and released it for free. The map allows the viewer to toggle on and off different paths (Bike Lane, Low Traffic, Medium Traffic, High Traffic, Caution Area, and Multi-Use Path). This will allow future ride planning a lot easier. I will simple turn on Low Traffic, Medium Traffic, and Multi-Use Path, and ride on those paths.
I have learned that bike lanes are bad, because they are made on the busy roads - and I hate the feeling of riding my bike and have to worry about cars getting to close to me, while sniffing away all the exhaust. I’d rather take smaller roads that goes through residential areas - the most we’ll get is neighborhool dog chasing after us (which Tim has first-hand experience).
You won’t be able to go very many places - even in Portland - without relying on bike lanes, and some are on busy roads. I guess I’ve been hardened by experience and can deal with riding next to traffic. You do need to develop a kind of mental and physical attitude about it, know how to communicate to drivers by your movements, and read what they are trying to do by watching them close.
Some drivers just suck and don’t know about driving next to bikes, but I think most do. Maybe you didn’t notice but when we were on the Sellwood bridge, there was a big white truck following behind us almost the whole way and didn’t pass us until traffic was clear on the other side. Maybe that person themselves was a cyclist or just had a little extra dose of compassion with their morning cereal.
I just think to myself, if I act careful enough, am well-equipped with all the proper safety gear, and not acting like a maniac (i.e. swerving in between parked cars and around grates - JOE) then I am doing what I can to keep myself and the people around me safe. I make myself easy to be seen by other drivers. I expect the drivers to see me and to do what they can to be safe for themselves and other people on the road (including me). That is the relationship we place ourselves in by stepping outside every day, whatever we do; whether we are driving, biking, walking; on any kind of path. All you can do is act the best you can and trust. Maybe you will be riding on a 10-foot wide multi-use trail closed off to motorists, and some 5 year old kid on a bike with training wheels will slam into you. That happend to my dad (the kid was ok, but my dad’s toe was injured).
I feel fine riding in bike lanes - but one thing you can’t win against exhaust from semi-trucks, and all the rubble in the bike lane of the more busy streets. (Ok that’s two things.)
I agree that for certain places you can’t get you unless you get on bike lanes, but what I am trying to say is, if I can choose between bike lane and small roads in residential neighborhood, I choose the latter.