Cyclists, skinny tires, streetcar rails — not a good mix - Seattle Times
New streetcar tracks on Seattle’s Westlake Avenue have turned into a trap for bicyclists.
The tires on a standard road bike are narrower than the 1 ¾-inch groove that holds a streetcar wheel. If a bicycle veers into that gap, it can easily get stuck, pitching the rider onto the street.
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Despite the goal of Mayor Greg Nickels to triple bicycle use, the new streetcar line includes long stretches of track in the curb lanes of Westlake Avenue, where bicyclists normally ride. Many riders have adapted by riding on sidewalks, to the left of the tracks — or in the left lane, which aggravates motorists.
Obviously, I agree. Though I don’t see an issue with just switching to the left lane. It may be an annoyance to those in motorized vehicles, but, honestly, that’s their problem. If they can afford to buy a car, buy insurance, buy gas, and maintain their car, surely they can afford to slow down a bit and let us pass.
“they can afford to slow down a bit and let us pass.”
Ever been late to work?
“they can afford to slow down a bit and let us pass.”
Legally, in my part of the world, bikes have a right to share the road with cars. But it’s not safe or considerate, and most cyclists know that.
Ever been late to work?
Ever been stuck behind a slow driver?
When you’re driving, slowing down can cause accidents just like going too fast can. It sounds ridiculous, until you’re out there.
As a biker, I feel far safer on the road than on sidewalks, and as a vehicle, it’s more appropriate and considerate for me to be on the road than to be mingling with pedestrians.
Bikes shouldn’t be on major interstates or highways, and on busier streets I’ll stick to the right lane, but the article is discussing a major section of a large city — a city where traffic and speed limits conspire to keep the average car under 25mph. I see no issue with taking the left lane, where my presence may make someone slow from 25mph 20mph till I pass.
(I was late to work this morning.)