• Home
  • SUBSCRIBE!
  • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
      • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830: What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus – Premium vs. Budget Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 830 vs 820: What’s the Difference?
    • Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer has the Longest Battery Life?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer is Best for Mountain Biking?
    • Are Garmin Edge Bike Computers Worth It?
    • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
      • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt: Which is Better?
      • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530
    • 9 New Features in the Garmin Edge 830
    • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – a Good Choice for Cyclists?
  • About
    • Start Here!
    • Contact Us
  • Product Reviews
    • 7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon in 2022
    • 7 of the Best Budget E-bikes under $1200 for 2022
    • Bike Computer Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers, 2022
      • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Edge 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
      • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
      • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Cycling Gear Reviews
      • How to Choose the Best Cycling Balaclava
        • 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas to Keep Your Head Warm this Winter
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
        • 7 of the Best Women’s Cycling Jackets – Waterproof and Windproof
        • The Three Different Kinds of Cycling Jackets
        • Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Waterproof Cycling Jacket Review
        • Best Cheap Cycling Jackets under $100
        • Best Windproof Cycling Jackets
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
        • Showers Pass Rogue Cycling Pants – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
        • 3 Regular-Looking Pants that Work Well as Cycling Pants
      • Best Waterproof Cycling Gear for Men and Women
      • 7 of the Best Cycling Jerseys
        • Two of the Best Women’s Cycling Jerseys: Pearl Izumi and Sugoi
      • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
      • Adidas Cycling Glasses – Review after Eight Years of Use
      • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – Is it a Good Choice for Cyclists?
    • Garmin Edge and Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Versus Posts!
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs. Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Varia Vision and Varia Rear Light Radar
      • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
    • Bike Pannier Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers
      • Review of the Two Wheel Gear Convertible Pannier/Backpack
      • Best Waterproof Bike Panniers for Touring and Commuting: Ortlieb Bike Panniers
      • Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier for Bike Commuters – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Bike Light Reviews
      • Complete Guide to Bike Lights
        • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
        • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
        • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting, 2022
        • Reelight Rl721 Bike Lights Review – Lights that are ALWAYS on
        • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Bike Lights
    • Bike Saddle Reviews
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles, 2022
      • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
      • Zacro Gel Seat Cover – a Budget Solution for Saddle Discomfort
    • Headphone Reviews
      • Best Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Review – AfterShokz Trekz Cordless Open Ear Bone Conduction Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Jaybird Tarah Wireless Headphones Review
    • 7 Reasons to Use a Power Meter on Your Bike
  • Bike Computer Reviews
    • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers, 2022
    • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530 – Garmin’s Game-Changing GPS Bike Computer
  • Health Benefits
    • Cycling Weight Loss
      • A Guide for Fat Cyclists
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Lose Weight
      • The Top 10 Ride Your Way Lean Eating Rules, for Effective Weight Loss
      • 7 Steps to Lose Weight Cycling
      • How Many Calories Do You Burn Cycling?
      • How Many Calories Can You Burn Riding an Ebike?
      • Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
      • Intermittent Fasting, Cycling, HIIT, and Weight Loss
    • Cycling and Aging
      • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
      • 5 Great Reasons to Take Up Cycling During Retirement
      • Science Says Exercise is a Miracle Cure and Protects You from Diseases
      • Science Proves Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • Science Shows that Cycling Really Does Fight Aging
      • 7 Tips to Help You Keep Mountain Biking after Age 40
      • Case Studies: Three Seniors who Regained their Health with E-Bikes
    • Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
    • Cycling and Strength
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
      • 5 Great Strength Exercises for Cyclists
      • Science Says Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
    • Cycling and Sleep
      • How Cycling Helps You to Sleep Better and Get Healthier
      • One in Three Cyclists Experience Reduced Stress Levels
      • Why Cycling May Be the Sleep Aid You Need
      • How I Became a Bike Commuter and Shed Stress Immediately
    • Cycling and Brain Health
      • Science Shows Five Ways that Cycling Boosts Your Brain Function
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Kids biking
      • 7 Easy Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike
      • 7 of the Best Baby and Child Bike Seats to Keep Your Child Safe – Reviews and Videos
      • 5 Tips for Parents to Keep your Kids Safe on their Bikes
      • How to Transport Kids on Bikes (Video and Infographic)
      • Babies and Bikes: How to Get Kids Active from the Start
      • How to Encourage Kids to Ride Bikes
        • How to Help your Kids Bike to School
A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

Average Joe Cyclist

A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

  • Cycling Training Plans
    • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
    • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 2 – Interval Training
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 3 – Preparing for Your First Race
    • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Your Bike – and How to Do It
    • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
    • Workouts and Stretching for Cyclists
      • Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Stop Doing Crunches! 10 Minute Complete Core Workout for Cyclists
      • Updated Video: 3 Hip Stretches to Cure Cycling Hip Pain
      • 5 Benefits of Cross Training for Cyclists
    • How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training
    • Research shows Amazing Benefits of Sprint Intervals in Cycling
  • Indoor Cycling Training
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
    • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Guide to Smart Turbo Indoor Trainers
    • How to Get Started with Stationary Biking: A Guide to Stationary Bikes
  • Cycling with Dogs
    • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
    • How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling
    • Complete Guide to Taking Your Dog on Bike Rides in a Bike Basket
    • 6 Steps to Gently Train Your Dog to Go On Bike Rides With You
  • Lose Weight!
    • Cycling and Weight Loss
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2022
      • 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
    • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
    • Cycling Nutrition
      • Best Matcha Tea for Cyclists: My Matcha Life
        • How to Make Matcha Tea
      • How Protein Helps your Post Bike Ride Recovery
      • 5 Best Protein Supplements for Exercise Recovery and Health
    • Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
    • Cycling and Health
  • Tips & How-Tos
    • How to Prevent & Cure Cycling Knee Pain
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
    • How to Change Gears on a Bike – Beginner’s Guide
    • Bike maintenance
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
    • Top 10 Tips to Keep your Bike from being Stolen
    • Smart Phone vs a Bike Computer for Recording Bike Rides – Which is Better?
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Do You Need a Cycling Jersey?
    • Complete Guide to How to Buy and Sell Bikes on Craigslist
      • How to Buy Used Bikes on Craigslist (and Other Online Marketplaces)
    • How to Understand Bike Terminology
    • 5 Things You Need to Know about Hydration for Cyclists
      • Hydration for Cycling – How Much Fluid do You Need?
  • Bike Commuting
    • Bike Commuting Tips
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
      • How Women Cyclists Can Prevent Saddle Soreness and Associated Issues
      • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Tips for Going Car-Free
      • Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?
      • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
      • 5 Ways to Stay Visible in Traffic When Cycling
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Helpful Tips for New Bike Commuters – Don’t Start Bike Commuting Until You Read This!
    • Winter Cycling
      • Safe Winter Cycling – How to Cycle Safely in the Winter
      • How to Dress for Winter Cycling – Cycling Clothes that will Keep You Warm and Dry
      • Our Top Tips to Keep You Warm and Dry for Fall and Winter Cycling
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Cold Weather Cycling
    • Safety for Cyclists
      • Top 10 Tips to Not Get Hit by a Car on Your Bike
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
    • Benefits of Being a Bike Commuter
      • Survey Shows London Bike Commuters are Happier and More Productive
      • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Bike Maintenance
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • How To Clean Your Bike Chain the Easy Way
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • Inspirational Video: How to Fix a Bike Flat – with No Hands
    • Cycling Infrastructure
      • 3 Reasons Why We Need Separated Bike Lanes
      • Research reveals a surprising benefit of separated bike lanes
      • Montreal Cycling, Part 3: Separated Bike Lanes – What Other Cities can Learn from Montreal
      • Cycling and the Post-Covid Transformation
You are here: Home / Bike Commuting / 3 Reasons Why We Need Separated Bike Lanes

3 Reasons Why We Need Separated Bike Lanes

February 16, 2015 by Average Joe Cyclist

Pin
Share
Tweet

We must DEMAND safe cycling infrastructure. We need separated bike lanes because cars are much BIGGER than bikes, and human beings are NOT perfect.  Motorists make mistakes; cyclists make mistakes. Our mistakes should not have to be fatal. That’s the most important reason why we need safe, separated bike lanes that keep all cyclists of All Abilities and Ages (AAA) safe at all times. And there are two other good reasons why we need safe cycling infrastructure, which I write about in this post. And it’s not just me – all research shows that when you don’t have safe bikeways, most people don’t ride bikes. But as soon as you put in safe bikeways (read: physically separated bikeways), huge numbers of people start riding bikes.

This is how all streets should look – safe space for pedestrians, #cyclists and motorists in downtown #Vancouver! pic.twitter.com/SDr4CZY91L

— Average Joe Cyclist (@AvrgeJoeCyclist) June 19, 2016

Cars and bikes should not be mixing it up on the same field, because it is not a level playing field. We don’t ask people to walk on the street – and then pass a law that requires them to wear walking helmets, pretending these will magically save them from injuries caused by huge vehicles – when in fact the stats show clearly that most pedestrian and cyclist deaths are caused by catastrophic, multi-organ injuries to the entire body. Instead, we build sidewalks so that people can walk in relative safety. Now, we just have to build cycle ways as well.

The city I live in has done wonders in just 10 years. For example, the photo above is an aerial view of the separated bike lane on Dunsmuir St. in Vancouver. This is off peak hours – at rush hours it gets very busy.

And below is a little girl cycling on one of the separated bike lanes in Vancouver. This one is on Hornby Street (where one business man cynically complained that bike lanes would deprive his business of parking spots, while at the same time deliberately posing so that the photographers would not capture the empty parking garages right behind them – despicable!) This little girl looks a lot like one of my kids. And I STRONGLY believe that her life is worth more than a parking spot!

Here is a child cycling in the middle of a major city, in the middle of a working day. This is the separated bike lane on Hornby, which some business people vehemently opposed – to protect parking spaces. This little girl looks a lot like one of my kids. And I STRONGLY believe that her life is worth a whole lot more than a few parking spots!
Here is a child cycling in the middle of a major city, in the middle of a working day. This is the separated bike lane on Hornby, which some business people vehemently opposed – to protect parking spaces. This little girl looks a lot like one of my kids. And I STRONGLY believe that her life is worth a whole lot more than a few parking spots!

Yet some people argue that building separated bike lanes is unnecessary. Simply force everyone to obey the law at all times, and cyclists will be safe, they say. However, forcing people to comply with the law 100% of the time is not actually possible. There has never been an instance of this approach succeeding in keeping cyclists and pedestrians safe.

People do NOT obey laws 100% of the time – this includes motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians

People simply do not obey laws 100% of the time. Anyone who cycles will tell you that most cars crossing bike lanes will do a rolling stop straight through the stop sign, usually only stopping well over the stop line (and reluctantly) when the only alternative is to crush half a dozen cyclists. And any (honest) person who cycles will admit that sometimes they do something a bit reckless, or get angry and make an unwise choice.

All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared with Chart and Videos
Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs Garmin Edge Explore vs Garmin Edge 530 vs Garmin Edge 830 vs Garmin Edge 1030 Plus

Why we need separate bike lanes – because NONE of us is perfect all the time (not even you)

And speaking of unwise choices … the GIF below shows very clearly why we need separate bike lanes. Both the cyclist and the drivers make unwise choices – with the result that a toddler is endangered. These photos were taken on a bike route, outside a school, in a 30 km per hour zone. And yes, there was a toddler in the trailer – I know because I was right behind them, and pass them most mornings. All of these conditions did not stop the motorists from squeezing in a father towing his tiny son in a bike trailer.

How this real event actually happened, and how and why the toddler was put in danger’s way

I was right behind these two, and witnessed the whole event from a few feet away. The father was waiting to cross on a red, with his right foot on the sidewalk (as many of us do). The pull-off was a slightly difficult one, as it is on an uphill, and he had a weight to pull. Just before the lights changed, A car pulled in front of him, probably hoping to make a right on the red, but was quickly impeded by pedestrians. So the motorist was stuck and therefore boxed in the cyclist, while the cyclist was trying to pull off on an uphill with a trailer. So the cyclist was going to miss the green. The cyclist then did the human thing that many of us would do in that situation – he lost his cool, yelled angrily, and went around the car.

Why we need separate bike lanes - human beings are not perfect. None of us obey the law 100% of the time, and all of us make poor choices occasionally.
Why we need separate bike lanes – human beings are not perfect. None of us obey the law 100% of the time, and all of us make poor choices occasionally.

Should those motorists have made more space for that cyclist? Yes, that would have been better, but it would have required cat-like reflexes, which not every driver has.

Should that father have remained calm and just stood there, waiting patiently for the next green and hoping another car wouldn’t box him in the next time? Yes, probably. Pity about that whole being-a-human-being-and-therefore-not-perfect-all-time thing.

Or even better, should the father have (serendipitously) recently graduated from a cycling skills course, and known that the safest bet would have been to take the whole lane, so that none of the cars on that chaotic little street could cut him off? Yes, perhaps. Although the problem in that scenario is that he would be placing his toddler son between himself and cars behind him.

So it would just take a moment of driver distraction (a mom keeping an eye in her rear-view mirror on the child she has just dropped off, for example) – and the toddler could be dead or seriously injured. (And a million internet commenters would have angrily pointed out that it was the father’s FAULT for putting the child in harm’s way.)

All of the stats were stacked up against the toddler in this scenario

In fact, all of the stats were stacked up against the toddler in this scenario: 75% of cyclist deaths occur at road intersections. 73% of such collisions involve either driver or cyclist error, or both. And in 25% of fatal cyclist injuries, the front of the car hits the back of the bike – in this case, it would be the toddler in the trailer who took the brunt of the hit. NOT good for a human being weighing in at about 25 pounds. (Source: Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents)

Human Beings do NOT make Perfect Choices all the Time (that’s why we call it “Being Human”)

I am not trying to assign blame to the motorists or to the cyclist. So PLEASE don’t write a comment blaming someone. Not even if you are the wisest human being on earth and know exactly what should have been done in this situation, and would have infallibly done exactly that if you were in this situation.

On the contrary, my point is that we are all human, and none of us can make perfect choices every time. (And it seems to be especially hard for us to make perfect choices in traffic, for reasons that escape me.) That’s why we need infrastructure that actively keeps us safe. If that cyclist was in a totally separate bike lane, the situation could not have happened, because the car would not have been able to get into the bike lane, the cyclist would not have lost his cool, and the baby would never have been in danger.

Watching this, it seemed like the motorists were out to get the baby – but obviously they could not have been (if they wanted him, they could have got him). Really, they were probably just oblivious. Anyone who drives a car knows how hard it can be to notice smaller objects (like potholes, children, cyclists, pedestrians, etc.) The car insulates you from sound and creates multiple blind spots. And that’s why cars are so dangerous, even though most of the people driving them would never want to hurt any one.

The point of the GIF is simply to illustrate the first of the three very good reasons for separated bike lanes:

Reason #1 for Separated Bike Lanes: Danger and the Perception of Danger Stop People from Cycling

Mixing up vulnerable cyclists with larger vehicles does result in many deaths and injuries. But going beyond that, the possibility of being injured or killed by cars is intimidating. Research clearly indicates that many more people would like to commute by bike, but are simply intimidated by cycling with cars. This graphic sums it up:

Percentage of adults who prefer separated bike lanes
Percentage of adults who prefer separated bike lanes (Source: TREC)

Who can blame them? Being on a bike right next to several tons of rapidly moving vehicle is intrinsically unsafe. It’s not like being afraid of heights or spiders – motorized vehicles really can kill you.

Mother cycling through the center of Vancouver with her toddler, using the separated bike lanes
Separated bike lanes have made cycling safer for all in Vancouver – here is a mother cycling through the center of Vancouver with her toddler, using the separated bike lane on Hornby Street
And here's another photo of a mom with two little kids on a separate bike lane on Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver. To me it is just painfully obvious that these little children need to be kept separate from cars that could kill them. And the research supports me - separate bike lanes are a WHOLE lot safer than mixing up bikes and cars
And here’s another photo of a mom with two little kids on a separate bike lane on Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver. To me it is just painfully obvious that these little children need to be kept separate from cars that could kill them. And the research supports me – separate bike lanes are a WHOLE lot safer than mixing up bikes and cars

Then there is also the strange fact that many routes are shared by buses and bikes. In that situation, the disparity in size is even more intimidating. As Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist has said a few times: “Putting bikes and buses in the same lane – whose brilliant idea was that?” She’s right – there is NOTHING fun about having a bus a few feet behind your tail light.

Yes, most bus drivers are polite and careful. But I personally witnessed a bus run a cyclist off the street, on a designated “bike route.” The cyclist escaped by hopping his bike up onto the sidewalk. I was just behind, and I thought, “If that was me, I would not have been athletic enough to hop like that, and I would have been hit.” The cyclist pulled up next to the bus at the next stop and yelled at the driver, “What would have happened if I couldn’t get out of the way?” The bus driver looked at the young man as if he was a tree stump, not somebody’s son, and said: “I guess I would have killed you.” I tried to persuade the cyclist to report the incident, as I would have been happy to be a witness, but unfortunately, he declined.

Reason #2 for Separated Bike Lanes: Cycling Needs to be Fun and Pleasant

Even if laws could force people to drive safely, it would still not be any fun for motorists and cyclists to share space. The aim should be for cycling to be pleasant and fun, not merely non-fatal.

The aim should be for cycling to be pleasant, relaxed, safe, and fun, not merely non-fatal.
The aim should be for cycling to be pleasant, relaxed, safe, and fun, not merely non-fatal.

One London cyclist commented on the situation.

Not dying is a low bar. Aim for HAPPY Cycling.

Click To Tweet

This same cyclist went on: “There are plenty of things I can do and be pretty sure I won’t die as a result of. That generally isn’t a sufficiently good reason for me to go out of my way to do them; I want to actually ENJOY them. To encourage mass cycling, you need to provide an activity that is not only non-fatal, but actually pleasant. Playing musical chairs with smoke-belching rhinoceroses is not everyone’s idea of fun, fatal or otherwise.”

This is what cycling SHOULD look like. Not death defying duels with diabolic deadly vehicles. Just gentle cycling on dedicated bike routes. Here's Maggie on the BC Parkway, on one of the RARE spots where it is both safe and fun.
This is what cycling SHOULD look like. Not death defying zigzagging between deadly vehicles. Just gentle cycling on dedicated bike routes. Here’s Maggie on the BC Parkway, on one of the RARE spots where it is both safe and fun. That thing on her head is actually a bike helmet – the Yakkay helmet that she loves, and which she reviewed here.

Lack of Cycling Infrastructure Makes Cycling Unpleasant

The point is that people are prevented from cycling not only by a fear of death or injury, but also by a lack of the decent cycling infrastructure that would make cycling pleasant. For many, it is so far from fun that it can cause serious problems. Here’s a comment from a woman who has commuted by bike in London for four years:

“I feel the hatred is getting worse and worse, and am at my wits’ end. Because I do not pedal in the gutter or door-zone, I am frequently the target of deliberate dangerous driving and abuse. The repeated attempts on my life (because that is what they are) are getting so bad that I keep having nightmares, particularly while I’m just nodding off. … I hope that by using some of those flight-or-fight chemicals by the actual exercise of cycling I might not get some serious anxiety-related symptoms, but I’m considering stopping the very thing that used to make me feel SO happy, SO liberated and independent.”

This comment comes from a post called “Not dying is a low bar. Aim for happy cycling” by Rachel Aldred. She says she got the inspiration for that post title from a feminist slogan, “Consent is a low bar. Aim for enthusiasm.”

I can relate to that cyclist in London. When motorists verbally abuse or endanger me, it often ruins my day. As a cyclist there is no safe way to fight back, and it’s both disempowering and depressing. When it’s not infuriating me, it makes me despair for the human race. Once a driver screamed at my wife (Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist) and called her the C word (no, not Cancer, the other one) while she was cycling to work. Not for any particular reason, but just because he resented her taking up space on “his” street. That was about a year ago, and I still get angry when I think about it. A man in a car screaming abuse at a woman on a bike is not only abusive but also despicably cowardly.

monkeylectric lights
Monkeylectric lights are great for both visibility and fun!

In short, there is just little that is fun and pleasant about competing for street space with much more powerful competitors, some of whom hate you merely for existing. Fortunately, the majority of motorists are extremely careful and respectful around cyclists– after all, what sane and decent person wants to kill someone on their way to work? Many times, my heart is warmed when motorists politely stop for me. Just last week, I had a motorist slow down to yell through his window at me: “LOVE the lights!” (I make a point of always having very bright bike lights, including very cheerful monkeylectic lights – reviewed here).

However, when cyclists (and other vulnerable road users) and motorists are forced to share road space, it only takes one motorist who is careless or hate-filled to ruin a cyclist’s day – or even kill a cyclist, or kill many cyclists, as sometimes tragically happens.

When cyclists (and other vulnerable road users, such as this brave man in a wheelchair) and motorists (including people driving HUGE trucks) are forced to share road space, the vulnerable road users are at real risk of violent injury and death. This photo was taken on Burrard Street in Vancouver, and everyone survived unscathed - that day.
When cyclists (and other vulnerable road users, such as this brave man in a wheelchair) and motorists (including people driving HUGE trucks) are forced to share road space, the vulnerable road users are at real risk of violent injury and death. This photo was taken on Burrard Street in Vancouver, and everyone survived unscathed – that day.

Reason #3 for Separated Bike Lanes: So that Cyclists and Pedestrians can Breathe

A research project has shown that cyclists on separated bike lanes breathe a better quality of air than those pedaling on traditional roadside bike lanes. The researchers measured the ultrafine particulate matter that is spewed out by motorized vehicles. They parked a car on the median dividing a separated bike lane from the cars, and measured exposure to the offending particulate matter on both sides. Effectively, they were comparing air quality in two zones that were separated by a mere few feet.

The researchers found a significant statistical difference between the two zones. It is hard to believe that a few feet could make a difference, but the findings were clear: air quality is better in separated bike lanes than in traditional roadside bike lanes.

Also, the difference was even more pronounced when traffic volume was high. So the more pollution there was, the greater the benefit that was provided to cyclists by separated bike lanes. And let’s not forget that the separated bike lanes cause pedestrians to be even further away from the cars, so they are also protected by the separated bike lanes.

Hornby Street before separated bike lanes and after
Hornby Street in Vancouver before and after it got separated bike lanes

The photos above show Hornby Street in Vancouver before and after it got separated bike lanes. The man in the left-hand photo was not only endangered by the surrounding traffic, but was also breathing in a lot of fumes – and I am pretty sure he was not relaxing and having fun.

By contrast, the cyclists on the right in the separated bike lanes illustrate all three of the reasons for having separated bike lanes: they are safer; they appear to be relaxed and having fun; and they are breathing less toxic fumes. Also, notice how much further the pedestrians are from cars. Obviously, these separated bike lanes are making life more healthy for pedestrians as well.

Horses on Hornby separated bike lane
Horses on Hornby separated bike lane

 And let’s not forget the horses! The other day I snapped this photo of horses enjoying the separated bike lane on Hornby Street in Vancouver. Nice to know that these horses were safe from cars, and were also breathing in less pollution through those giant nostrils of theirs. I wrote a post a little while ago to remind people that just a very short time ago, the streets belonged to pedestrians, cyclists and horses, and CARS were the (very frightening and unwelcome) intruders – see #ReplaceBikewithCar.

Cyclists in Christchurch, New Zealand, in the early 20th century. Note the flocks of men AND women with bikes, while few isolated cars try to get through. Boy, have times ever changed! But with the way thing are going in cities such as London, Copenhagen, Montreal, Portland and even Vancouver, maybe we will start to see sights like this in the future
Cyclists in Christchurch, New Zealand, in the early 20th century. Note the flocks of men AND women with bikes, while a few isolated cars try to get through. Boy, have times ever changed! But with the way thing are going in cities such as London, Copenhagen, Montreal, Portland and even Vancouver, maybe we will start to see sights like this in the future

Cars have had control of the streets for a century, but it IS possible to take at least part of the streets back. In his Pedaling Revolution book, Jeff Mapes suggests that we are seeing a grassroots revolution of people taking back part of the streets from cars. Think cycling routes, car-free days, car-free streets, livable communities – it’s all happening.

Some people say that the rest of the world cannot be “like the Netherlands.” As if cyclists who don’t live in the Netherlands just have to accept being in danger all the time. But it’s not true. In the city where I live, massive changes have been made in just a decade. Downtown Vancouver has gone from being scary and unsafe, to being cyclist friendly in just 10 years. Take a look at this guy leaving work in the heart of downtown Vancouver – what could be easier and more people friendly than this?

Just grab your bike and go - bike parking right on a separated bike lane in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
Just grab your bike and go – bike parking right on a separated bike lane in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

The message is clear: we need separated bike lanes to protect the lives and health of cyclists, and to make cycling more attractive, pleasant and fun. In that way, more people will cycle, which will lead to more safe cycling infrastructure, which will lead to more cyclists …

Check Out Our Most Popular Posts!

  • Best budget bike computers
    7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers
  • 7 best dog bike baskets
    7 of the Best Carriers to Take Your Dog on Bike Rides
  • 7 of the best indoor bike trainers
    7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
  • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
    ALL CURRENT GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED! 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
  • This graphic shows you the relative sizes of the 530 (left), 1030 Plus (center), and 830 (right)
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison with Reviews and Videos
  • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs. 1030 Plus. Would a much CHEAPER bike computer work for you?
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
  • 7 of the Best Cheap Bike Computers under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
  • 7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists to Track Bike Rides
  • Best road bike saddles
    9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for Men and Women - Video-Packed Post
  • 7 of the Best Bike Computers
  • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
  • 9 of the best waterproof cycling jackets for men and women. A great waterproof cycling jacket will keep you dry, and at the same time be breathable, so that you don't overheat your core
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
  • 7 of the best waterproof cycling pants for men and women
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
  • The Garmin Edge 830 on Maggie's bike
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030
  • Get a new bike, and then get outside and have fun!
    7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon - Cruiser, Mountain, Road and Hybrid
  • Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
    Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
  • Waterproof cycling jackets - group of cyclists
    Best Waterproof Cycling Gear - Includes Jackets, Pants, Gloves, and Balaclavas
  • Great bike lights will light up the night for you! Just be sure to get the ones that are right for you
    7 of the Best Bike Lights
  • 7 of the Best Women's Cycling Jackets
  • 7 of the Best Windproof Cycling Jackets - Find a Great Cycling Jacket Now!
  • How to Choose the Safest Headphones for Cycling
  • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers Compared
  • 7 of the Best Child Bike Seats Compared
  • How to Buy the Best Electric Bike
  • 7 best bike locks
    7 of the Best Bike locks Compared. Find the Best Bike Lock For You!
  • How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling
    How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling

Did you enjoy this post or find it helpful? If so, please support our blog!


average-joe-cyclist-mug-shot copyWe write this blog because we love cycling. But we also need to earn a living, so we REALLY would appreciate if you click through to one of our reputable affiliates for your online shopping. We are proudly affiliated with Amazon, which sells pretty much everything, and has outstanding shipping and return policies. When you buy from our affiliates we make a small commission, and this is the only way we earn any income. Plus, it costs you nothing at all - a real win/win situation!
Shop at Amazon in the USA:
Shop at Amazon in Canada:
Shop at Amazon in the UK:

Save

Save

Related

Pin
Share
Tweet

Filed Under: Bike Commuting, Cycling Infrastructure Tagged With: #ReplaceBikewithCar, Bike Commuting, Separate Bike Lanes

  • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs 830 vs 530

Welcome to Average Joe Cyclist!

Welcome to our blog! I’m Joe Goodwill, an average cyclist, and I write a blog for people like me. People who love cycling but will probably never win any races, and who don’t necessarily look good in Lycra! I also write the Electric Bikes Blog and Average Joe's RV Living Blog. To find our most popular posts, check out our Start Here page.

Mrs Average Joe Cyclist - MaggieHi! I'm Maggie Neilson (aka Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist). Joe and I have done a lot of cycling, and we share what we have learned on this blog . We also write reviews of cycling products and trails! Get to know us better HERE.

How our Product Links Work

  • You pay EXACTLY the same price, whether you use our links or go direct to the websites.
  • Earning some commission enables us to spend more time writing posts 🙂
  • THANK YOU to all the good people who have bought through our links. Your support is sincerely appreciated.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Search Average Joe Cyclist!

Trending – Our Top Posts Right Now!

  • The Garmin Edge 830 on Maggie's bike Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation
  • Cycling is a fantastic way to lose weight. And as a bonus: if you lose weight while maintaining your power, you will become faster on your bike 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
  • If you keep asking your body to do more, it will grow stronger and fitter to adapt to your demands. How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
  • Tips for Cyclists Who Have Had Knee Replacement Surgery 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
  • 7 of the best budget indoor trainers 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2022
  • Winter is a good time to take a break from cycling and do some different kinds of exercise. Click here for our video about the 7 top strength building exercises for cyclists Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
  • This graphic shows you the relative sizes of the 530 (left), 1030 Plus (center), and 830 (right) Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
  • tips for success lose weight cycling Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
  • The new Garmin Varia RCT715 Garmin Introduces the Varia RCT715 Rearview Radar Activated Tail light with Built-in Camera

  • Click for our Best Cycling Training Plans!

Copyright © 2022 · Average Joe Cyclist, please contact us for syndication rights.

 

Loading Comments...