Yes, we should have bike lanes for bikes.
Just don't paint them on city streets.
I live on a street where they've designated both sides of the street as bike lanes. There should be some on-street parking on every street. I get a little irritated with all these people in their tight Lycra pants and their bed-pan helmets weaving in and out of traffic. They flout the traffic laws (lane-changes with no advance signals, blow through stop signs and traffic lights). When they get in involved in an accident the motor vehicle driver seems to get the blame.
If we allow bikes on city streets, they should be taxed and plated, that way they can be monitored. After all, I pay road tax at the pumps for the privilege of using the pavement. I'm not saying kids should pay but they should have their bikes registered. If you're over sixteen and can drive a car, no free ride, pay up.
Oh yeah, bikes should be banned from city streets after the first snowfall. These bikes have less than two square inches of rubber contact with the road. On ice their friction co-efficient- slim to none, they just slide right under the bumpers.
It gets a little freaky driving on city streets at night when these two-wheeled shadows come streaking out of a cross street with no intention of caution or stopping. If they persist on peddling at night, reflective gear should be mandatory, not optional. All bikes should have a red rear facing reflector or light and forward facing clear or white light for night operation.
I strive to drive my vehicle with skill and caution, and I'm getting a little perturbed with the wild-west attitude of some of the people on their two-wheeled steeds.
Don't get me wrong - riding a bike is economical, healthy activity and good for the environment. But a little common sense, a bit of consideration for others and a attitude of respect for others and your own safety goes a long way. Nothing would sicken me more than seeing some biker disappear under the front of my vehicle. We really don't need bike lanes, we need education and some regulation. After all I have rules to follow too.
George Getty
Prince George
