Contrary to what my local council thinks, it takes more than painting a white line 2 feet from the kerb, for a couple of hundred feet here and there, and adding a picture of a bicycle to create a proper usable cycle lane.
In my part of the world, councils get credit for km of bike paths/lanes. Painting a pic of a bike on what is really a parking lane counts as a bike lane even though you can't ride on it because there are cars parked there.
@@davidmc105 I've been caught out when turning a corner only to find that the so-called cycle lane ends abruptly in on-street residential parking. But as you say, it's still regarded by non-cyclists as praise worthy.
Where I live in the UK. We had a lovely dual carriage way... Its now being cut in half and one lane in each direction has been seperated off and turned into a cycle lane... Traffic as a result is in gridlock... The cyclists would sooner ride on the pavement. Even the council admit it was a mistake, and its not being used, but there is no money to turn it back into a road.
Absolutely top notch video. As a driver of over 35 years I have never wondered why someone is using the road or get annoyed with them, I see them and give them space. They are not "cyclists" just people cycling, mums, dads, kids, grandparents.
Missed / under-highlighted what I regard as the most common reason - the stop start nature of most lanes. There is a lane near me that stops and starts, requiring me to give way or stop 27 times in a single mile! (and swevre round glass, bus stops, pedestrians), or just stay on the road and not have to give way once.
Cars came first (edit: before todays bike efforts by cities; thanks @Mike (edit: but after horses, thanks @Alfred)), then they squeez the bikes in. Takes time but eventually car lanes will make room and bikes might even get the right of way on main routes. In the netherlands the larger the vehicle, the less rights you pretty much have (because you pollute, endager and take up more space). This also naturally discourages excessive behaviour without restricting anything and clears up the streets. Still a long way to go for other countries though.
@@mikewade777 obv right, being born after the new millenium, i've only ever seen cars being there first ;) I corrected it. I did ofc mean that every city adopted cars, which also increased growth and thus cities that were built exclusively for motorists, while bikes were left out. Then bikes were reconsidered when the cars downsides became appearant, but the land needed for this "newly upcoming" mode had already been allocated to cars.
@@alfredstimoli2590 Can't argue with that, corrected. To make it absolutely clear, I ofc meant it in the way that after cars had taken the roads from horses, before bicycles were adopted later, there was no bike traffic then. I left the horses aside deliberately here, because they actually appeared before bikes were considered as an alternative to the now existing car traffic, so by my chronological disorder they would have to wait until bikes are broadly adopted to make their reappearence to the urban environment. At some point we will be facing a major land crisis when horses get reintroduced along with the cars and bikes.
Good video, no criticisim of the content here but do please talk about the 'middle of the lane' rather than 'middle of the road' - it's a trope drivers use to make it sound worse than it is. Many urban roads are four lanes, more or less, occupying one lane isn't the big deal drivers like to make it out to be. I know it's pedantic, but language matters in this kind of thing. Cheers!
Exactly! There are Share the Road signs in Riverside, CA where they should admonish with Don’t Share the Lane or, better yet, a notification that Bicyclists can Take the Lane.
This is far too reasonable. Angry drivers on social media are generally angry because driving is frustrating and they believe that people on bikes are somehow to blame for making things worse. They don't have a reasonable argument.
tomstickland… Exactly!! My thoughts exactly. Even riding solo in the bike lane I get honked at, yelled at, etc. Drivers are used to having the road to themselves, and having to be careful to not hit a guy in the bike lane causes aggravation all by itself.
…. And because cyclists are violating their sense of entitlement. Here in the US, autos/drivers have been highly privileged for nearly a century. If all you’ve ever known is privilege then being forced to share will feel terribly unfair and hence the resentment.
@@JakeMay agreed, it's radicalised people to jump on unsafe bikes with no training and think they are safe. Facts......drivers are trained with road worthy cars which are checked. Cyclists are untrained mostly on the wrong and/or unsafe bike
Another possible response is "there isn't one". You might think "surely, a driver would never yell at you to stay in the bike lane while both of you are on a road with no bike lane", but reader, you would be wrong.
Yup. No logic at all. I had a motorcycle yell at me to use the sidewalk (I was in the bike lane at the time on a road bike no less AND it's illegal in my city to rude the sidewalk AND ... a MOTORCYCLE??? Just...Smh)
@@jmperez1997 You would think cyclists and motorbikers would get along better, I mean we both keep getting killed by drivers so we have that much in common.
I understand some motorbikers filter but I am a cyclist who feels it is rude to do so or overtake when vehicles have stopped so I happily sit in the queue
And lastly, people on bikes are human beings just like people in cars and people walking. Many cyclists also own cars. We're not a separate species defined by our mode of transport.
@@JakeMay same rule doesn’t apply to cyclists against pedestrians tho, they still think they’re king there too. And I think it’s hilarious you say about cyclists dodging street furniture is dangerous but cars having to dodge cyclists isn’t? 😂
Well presented info Jake. Let me add to your list: -Overgrown by surface vegetation and hedges. Obviously more in rural areas. -Often used as rubbish dump and as site for temporary road traffic lights, signs etc. -Dangerous shallow angle, sometimes stepped entry, curb crossings. Unless a consistent standard of design, build and maintenance is adopted, the risk of being on the main road is lower. Sometimes the supposed "cycle route" does not even actually exist. For example. The cycle path to Derby from the west is the Derwent riverside path which is unpaved and transforms into muddy quagmire in winter.
@@elliotwilliams7421 a "cycle path" almost by definition is meant to be accessable by a granny on a town bike, not exclusive to a mountainbiker on 45mm tires with full suspension. Come on, its common sense that it shouldnt become an unusable swamp in the uks default weather conditions.
@@paulochikuta330 and roads are meant to be suitable and safe for cars .........what's your point?? Keep advocating for less standards and rules for cyclists and I'll keep watching the numbers rise.
@@elliotwilliams7421 1 I edited it to add the last paragraph . It is otherwise the same as original. 2 As for the suggestion that I should choose or buy off road equipment so to use an off road route to town, how do you think motorists would respond of the had to do this? 3 I am also a motorist.
Big thing: Cycle lanes not only suddenly stop, they also start suddenly. I use the cycle lanes where possible, but you can easily get trapped in the road. Basically, once your at speed, you can't get off the road quickly anymore: There may be only a cab blocking the sidewalk, so you jump in the road, but for the next 100m you have a curb and you're going 25 mph and can't just slow in the car lane to merge onto the sidewalk at a corner. The majority of the roads have a groove along the curb or there's parked cars, so you need to cut it at a steep angle, which requires a generous sverve into the road or a massive speedloss (after sprinting none the less). It takes confidence and a split second decision to pull onto the sidewalk at >25mph, esp with all the obtacles on the sidewalk afterwards. This is (sadly) daily business for a sporty rider, but is super annoying when you're accidently "stuck in the road". Even worse, cars get angry for you seemingly "tryharding on the road", while you're just desperately looking for a better than usual spot in the curb to escape. Along with that, it's actually really hard brainwork and thus dangerous to figure out where you're meant to be riding when you're going at car like speeds. If you can keep up on the road, that takes much of the stress away and can really ease your mind. Just think about how often you're looking behind you compared to when you're on the sidewalk, that's because you can predict your path and instead be more aware of your surroundings.* *acutally, looking behind you all the time is just as dangerous. I feel safer knowing what's behind me on the road, with a separated bike lane i wouldn't have to worry about my front nor my back :)
@@sahhull Read that last paragraph again. Unlike what you believe, a cyclist very well knows how not to put his life at risk, because it's our daily business. It's tough work though. Just so much, have you ever seen a road vanish infront of you with nothing but dirt to continue? Or a pole in your way? Because that's what your due care has to handle in a city that supposedly has a bike infrastructure. Oh and you can look as much as you want, if there's a car close behind you, looking at a 10cm curb wont help you off the road either. I'm not saying some cyclists are idiots though, just explaining what i experience when i'm being thrown onto the road.
When I questioned why the council don’t make the junctions safer on a long shared path I was told by them it’s probably safer if I just ride on the road. 🤦🏼♀️
Great video this. I lived in Copenhagen where cycling infrastructure is first class. I have explained to friends and people here that what is on offer here is rubbish 95% of the time. Your video sums up everything I have told people. We have a different mindset here in the UK, and if the Government are serious about cycling being a viable and safe form of transport, they need to do what the Danes and Dutch did, else it won't catch on for the everyday, sceptical person. I rarely cycle now I am back in the UK, for exactly the reasons shown in the video, plus the constant dangerous driving around me by motor vehicles. Also the run ins I have had on shared paths is just ridiculous. I'll be driving my combination engine car for much longer yet I'm afraid. You should send this video to your local MP, sustrans etc so they can really see the problems encountered by cyclists, and make sure they READ THE COMMENTS ! Good luck going forward.
Yes if you're offered rubbish 95% of the time, you don't give a shit and trust no bike lane anymore. Until the day comes when you ride in the street and notice that new 2m wide undisrupted separated bike lane and realize you can finally let your guard down and enjoy the cycle lane :D
Cycling infrastructure in Copenhagen is first class? You obviously never seen dutch cycling infrastructure. Dutch cycling infrastructure is the best in the world
Great video. London cycle lanes are incredibly dangerous. They are tight, poorly maintained and you often find yourself either stuck or having large lorries and buses zooming past you with no protection whatsoever. You are also having to always deal with pedestrians in the cycle lane or jumping out in front on you with little warning. I have also had aggressive drivers coming into intersections, seeing me at full speed with a toddler in the back seat and contuining to enter the intersections not giving a toss about the fact that if I stop I may actually end up getting thrown off the bike with a kid in tow. I usually avoid these death traps in general, and only cycle in a few locations that I know won't put me in a compromising situation. Whenever I do use the street however, I also have to dodge people opening their cars and drivers not giving me enough space. So yeah, sometimes I am that mama cycling in the middle of the road making sure no one passes me in an unsafe area. We need to do better and make cycling safer for everyone.
As a driver I often wondered why cyclists weren’t in the bike lane. As a now cyclist, I wonder why cyclists are using some of those bike lanes. Moral of the story, don’t judge until you try it for yourself
Excellent video ! One point I can see is the following : bike lanes, or bike paths, are sometimes unreachable if you come from a perpendicular road, or unsuitable to use if you intend to turn at some point where there's no exit from the lane. Bike paths can be as great as possible, if you can't reach them, you can't ride on 'em ^^
A classic example of this is the Blackfriars underpass for people who have come around White Lion Hill. There's no way of crossing the road to get to the cycle lane and it switches sides in a few hundred metres to the side they're on anyway, so if you see cyclists on the road going west under Blackfriars underpass, just wait until the top of the hill and you'll see them join the cycle lane. Another couple of examples are the cycle lane on Goodman's Yard between Tower Hill and Aldgate and Honour Lea Avenue in East Village, Stratford. Both have a cycle lane that starts or ends on the footpath with no dropped kerb to help you get there. These little details are very easy to miss from behind a steering wheel but prevent nearly everyone on a bike from using these cycle lanes. It's not even a choice to not use them, it's literally impossible, short of bunny-hopping up the kerb.
Great video. Currently 5 years on from a crash which left me concussed and literally scarred for life on my face - all caused by a badly built cycle lane. I subsequently found out about 8 other cyclists who had crashed in the same way at the same spot. I challenged the council on this and they had the nerve to trot-out "the cycle Lane meets all applicable standards". This is why I'd rather ride in the road, thanks.
My biggest gripe (offroad/pavement lanes)with them is every time you come to a T junction you end up having to give way to the traffic you would have been in if you hadn't used the cycle lane. You find yourself waiting for traffic turning left and right into the junction, traffic exiting the junction blocking your way ahead and you even gave to wait for other cyclists who are using the road.
Thank you....great video...Will be sharing. Perhaps add about the 1.5 meter rule ....often not goven this in a cycle lane as gives driver a false barrier ...so can be safer in the road . Also as other say, we are people on bikes, people in cars, people on foot and not a separate breed of cyclists. Many of us may ride bikes, walk and drive a car as apt.
As a cycle instructor I think you've nailed all the main issues, especially they're NOT legally compulsory usage, as a payer of UK road maintenance, it is my choice as to whether the lane is safe for me to use or not. Also the abrupt starting and stopping...a clear sign off afterthought design.
When I first started cycling in London I actually thought I was missing something because I couldn't for the life of me figure out how they worked. Turns out, they are just poorly planned and poorly executed. It is very exhausting having to always plan your route when lanes, start, stop, or change suddenly. Like, is it really that hard to design something proper! Look at Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Bremen!!! SMH
The are compulsory in NY, USA and this video does a great job explaining why that is an example of poorly written legislation. Years ago Casey Neistat received a citation for not riding in the bike lane, his video response gathered millions of views and may be contributing to the perception that they are compulsory worldwide.
It is afterthought design as the roads were there first now they are being divided up between cyclists and roads whereas before they shared them successfully. While cyclists use the law to show they are not required by.that law to.use cycle.lanes , it is the minority of.cyclists who follow the law , be it the highway code or use and construction regulations regarding.cycles. As an instructor is your cycle.compliant with the use and construction regulations for road use? Do you insist those you instruct.wear the recommended cycling equipment and clothing? As I travel by cycle.or motor vehicle.i observe cyclists and find that the majority are breaking the law with.cycles that.should not be on the road.
Love this video explainer. While the terminology, types of bike-lanes and the legal obligation to use them are different in Australia, this video will be great to counter a lot of the ignorant and hateful diver comments from those who abuse cyclists just chosing to not use a bike-lane because it is blocked, crap surface, or actually dangerous to use.
@@JakeMay where there is a bike-lane* on a road we must use them "where practicable". Lots of circumstances may make their use impracticable. * A separated bike path is NOT a bike lane.
Hi Jake, nice video and I can think of only one other reason why cyclist may not use a cycle route. That reason is, especially in towns, that the official cycle routes are often indirect. They both figuratively and actually go round the houses. Having said that I do know of cycle routes that are direct and actually short of them going on the road. Here is an illustration of some of the things you talked about ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-YcX9Wug-434.html
Cycle lane tend to have mismatched roadway, bits of glass and tarmac, stones, rubbish, mud, sand and the mentioned pothole. I use the road when I can and still be safe.
Great video. Main reason I don't use cycle lanes is that they are often routing you to way more give ways than the roads. One point to add to your list is that sometimes the cycle lane is up a kerb or behind a kerb and if you miss the start point you can't then get onto it later, no matter how much it might be your better option.
Yep, they're often the less convenient option, taking you on a detour. Bad cycle lanes have just been put there to get people on bikes out of the way of motorists.
Yeah, this is the case in my town. I have a great bike lane that runs along the main road at the end of my street but I can’t get to it due to a gutter so I cycle on a 4 lane road for half a km.
One of the things I’ve noticed (and experienced first hand) is that when the cycle lane is only separated with a painted line, many drivers interpret that as they are allowed to pass a cyclist with their wheels touching the line - because they technically haven’t entered the cycle lane. Which is incredibly dangerous. Some cycle lanes near me are actually separated from the road, which sounds great, except there are lots of side roads. Even though there are give way lines on the side roads so the cyclists on the main route can continue, reality is the drivers ignore them, drive straight across the cycle lane without checking and only give way when they reach the actual road. In both those instances, the cycle lane is outright dangerous and I’m safer in the road. Of course, that’s all assuming there are actually cycle lanes, as supposed the shockingly common, cycle lane exists for about 100m that just vanishes. Might as well stay in the road since I’ll be rejoining it again in such a short distance.
Got to love those drivers that cut through the painted lane around corners. Its not part of the designated area for cars but they cut through as if it saves them time anyways.
@@theepimountainbiker6551 Those drivers are lethal 🙁. You can guarantee there is a cyclist right there when they do it. Although I can think of once specific instance where I would agree with the drivers who do it. It was a narrow road with the cycle lane wrapping around the corner on both sides of the road, never originally had cycle lanes painted on it. Should never have had them painted on as there simply wasn’t space. Without cycling lanes, the drivers (mostly) would wait behind the cyclist until after the bend so it was safe for everyone. Once the cycle lanes were added, for a driver (even the ones in small cars, let alone anything bigger) to avoid driving in the cycle lane, they had to drive over the centre line of the road…on a bend with a vehicle doing the same from the other direction. How someone thought marked cycle lanes on that specific location was a good idea I’ll never know. Because that is seriously dangerous. In that specific instance I would agree with what drivers actually did - which was to enter the cycle lane. As for the cyclists, well they were having to mount the pavement to get out of the way. It was so much safer for absolutely everyone (including pedestrians) before cycle lanes were added.
@@reubenbryant totally agree, if the road isnt wide enough and they do it to not hit another vehicle and no biker is around then whatever. But if theres plenty of space theres no excuse you just never know if somebodys around that corner.
@@reubenbryant In the Netherlands they make the difference between a solid and a striped line. Here people are pretty strict(on themselves) never crossing a solid line.
As an active bike rider I can confirm most of the points that you’ve mentioned in this video, some bike lanes are greatly designed and maintained where as others are either very tight or very dangerous especially for those trying to get to and from at a reasonable speed. Just last month I rode past what I presumed was a parked car near the bike lane and to my surprise a door opened right in my path leaving me no time to swerve, this incident has resulted in me choosing to use certain bike lanes over others. As a driver I can understand the annoyance of a cyclist on the road however drivers also need to realize that the road is a shared place and if a cyclist doesn’t feel safe in the bike lane near the road, they have the right to use the road itself.
@@aquanick2001 they won't even respond to this comment let alone do it. Yet cyclists expect walkers to move over tow paths and such like, they even think its OK to ride on your heels and ring their bell at you. Double standards and a lack of discipline is tye biggest issues around cyclists
My #1 for not using bike lanes in some places....they are speed limited to 20kph/12mph. Way too slow. Also often occupied by people who seem to not really know how to ride and now in my city, tons of e-scooters, mostly ridden by idiots. I am NOT a cyclist, just a guy who loves to ride a bike. I support the idea of bike infrastructure, but NOT by taking lanes from cars, and definitely not those stupid 'sharing' roads where it is deemed OK to ride bike in the middle of the road at a snails pace. I will blow there doors off bike or car.... If you see about, you will recognize me....I am the older guy(60) zipping along, not wearing kit.....
You absolutely hit the nail on the head with this video, and your arguments apply equally well in the US (although, sadly, there are some US states where the law obliges cyclists to use a bike lane or sidepath when available...thankfully Colorado is not one of them). The bottom line is, a bicycle lane is not always (I'd even say is frequently NOT) the safest place for a rider to operate. A motorist who doesn't ride may have difficulty understanding that.
Several reasons why,with the exception of certain,specific situations,such as some tunnels and bridges,there's generally no legal requirement for cyclists to use cyclelanes. 1)Not all cycles are suitable for cycle lanes,some are very bumpy,with dropped kerbs at junctions often poorly maintained.This will destroy the narrow wheels on road type cycles. 2)Often poorly lit at night. 3)Some cycle routes deviate away from roads,often behind trees etc,can be potentially dangerous at night. 4)Quite often cycle lanes are very busy with pedestrians and dogs,making progress for cyclists very slow. 5)In winter,some of us still try to cycle,the roads MAY have been gritted,cycle tracks won't have been. I personally always try to use cycle tracks,where possible,but not everyone can.
Thanks for all the positive feedback! Hopefully we can try to make a difference. This is a little different to my usual content, but do subscribe to the channel if you want to see more videos on cycling - including exploring London rides with my friends to going on bikepacking adventures further afield!
I am a cyclist and I basically agree. I live in the Chesterfield area. There is a cycle lane on Erin Road between Poolesbrook and Duckmanton. I've not use the cycle lane there for almost 2 years. Why? 4 punctures and a walk home 4 times in the space of 5 weeks in September & October of 2020. They are full of glass and other crap and never get swept. By riding in the roadway, I am riding on a surface which is cleaned of such detritus by the cars and lorries which are also driven over it. There are other cycle lanes round these parts too - but after dark they _COULD BE_ a mugger's paradise; again, I am likely to be safer just riding on the highway. In the winter, they don't grit the cycle lanes so they are full of ice too.
As a bicycle racer who has achieved a somewhat high level of success, and have logged about 200,000 miles, I can tell you why I never really like to use the bike Lanes and that is that usually they are full of debris and slow riders. So, I would usually ride just outside the white line and listen carefully to when a car was coming then I would always move over into the bike lane. But, NEVER EVER would ride in the middle of a driving lane when cars were coming. Hey, I might have the right of way. But it wouldn't help me if I were dead. In other words, don't be arrogant around cars.
I moved from UK to the Netherlands 8 years ago. Here there are good quality cycle lanes everywhere and everyone uses them. People have always cycled here, but the move from car-friendly to cycle-friendly cities has accelerated since the 1970s. One factor is that everyone cycles here, so there is the political will; parties willing to provide good cycling infrastructure get votes. And because every motorist is also a cyclist, motorists are very considerate and understanding of cyclists. I get embarrassed for the state of the old country when I see the open warfare between these groups.
As an aside to your post, what is bike crime like there? You may know how bad it is in the UK, with people even having expensive bikes stolen whilst out on them!
@@terrynorton3182 I think it's quite bad in the big cities of North and South Holland, but rare in the quieter places. I live in Apeldoorn (population about 130,000) in Gelderland, and I don't know anyone here who's had their bike nicked. A lot of people have more than one bike, and will use their old one in situations where bike theft is possible/likely. If you want a good idea of what it's like here have a look at the Bicycle Dutch channel.
Also, often there can be debris in the lanes kicked over by vehicles. Trash, gravel, dirt, leaves, branches, roadkill, etc. I also find that sometimes it's actually safer to ride in the middle of a lane when the bike lane may be too small/dirty. Rather than risk being sideswiped in a portion of poorly maintained/designed bike lane (especially when a lot of oncoming traffic makes it difficult for cars to put adequate space between me and the other cars when passing) I find it more comfortable to have vehicles not try and pass me until I can find a safer area to ride my bike.
Cycle lanes are for the convenience of drivers not for cyclists. That's why they're narrow, rutted, shared with pedestrians (and fucking dogs), constantly yield priority to the carriageway they're supposed provide an alternative to, covered in debris, full of obstacles that are impassible to non-conventional types of cycle (recumbent, tricycles, cargo-bikes, ect), and often deviate significantly from the desired route. And not to mention the on-road lanes that actually INCREASE the risk of cyclist death/injury by 34% because they're usually narrower than your handlebars but drivers view them as a separate lane and don't think they need to give you any extra space.
Should get rid of most road signs and markings and share all highways as on 1970s. But introduce mandatory bike test as part of driving license. There's no gtee of safety in life but we can all ride and drive with greater anticipation and understanding. Speed bumps only breed more Chelsea tractors and vehicle obesity which in turn reduced driver feedback and skills in terms of momentum and spacial awareness.
Sometimes it's better to deal with 'the enemy you know' (motorists) opposed to those you don't (other cyclists). Since many more cyclists in at least Anglo nations are unaware of the need to follow protocol for safe cycling, it's easier to share the road (with caveats, of course) with motorists whose probable moves are much easier to predict (whether rational or not) as opposed to other cyclists, many of whom have zero sense of their impact on other cyclists. Hobson's Choice on two wheels...
I’m a cyclist and lots of these reasons make complete sense. But… there are a lot of cyclists who are frankly dicks. Mainly the ones that think shaving their legs shaves 1/10000000th of a second off their best time… they say “I have just as much right to use the road as you” these cyclists love the attention and get satisfaction knowing that they have negatively impacted someone’s day. They are a tiny proportion of us cyclists and we hate them as much as everyone else…
Great video Jake. I usually always feel safer on a road lane than a cycle lane, as I'd rather have the cars behind me see me and have time to react than deal with blind cycle lane crossings. On a side note, used the cycle lane today as the road was really busy and got a pinch flat in a hidden pothole. Back on the road tomorrow!
Actual cycling infrastructure is useful, most of the clips in this video isn't that; it's just a normal road shoulder that someone slapped a bike symbol on and using it is actually no different than cycling on the shoulder on a road without a "bike lane". And riding on the shoulder is very dangerous!
I can't agree with you more. Even cycling in the so-called cycling paradise of the Netherlands, all the points made except one also apply there. Only the last point does not apply to the Netherlands, because there is a traffic sign that obliges cyclists to use that path. To my great sadness, because very often the road surface for cars is smooth asphalt while the cycle path consists of poorly laid cobblestones and street tiles.
YES THIS!!! roads are smooth...even paths with those grooves in them (like concrete footpaths or driveways) I find frikkin annoying even though for the most part they are smooth.
The vast majority of the bike lanes in the the Netherlands have the famous red asphalt. Maybe you live in an area where the roads are in a dire need for an update to the latest design standards, because I also don't see the points mentioned in this video at all in the area where I live. The only one that comes to mind is the occasional delivery van that blocks a bike lane.
I use the roads where I live because the sidewalks are virtually nonexistent due to extremely poor maintenance and there are no bike lanes. It's a small town, though, so there's not a whole lot of traffic the neighborhood areas either. Huge downside: There's no bike racks, either.
A couple months ago I was bicycle touring the north shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. There is a state trail called the Gitchi Gami trail that runs along side the highway on parts of the route. I stayed off of the trail because it had really bad grades that meant that I would have to climb or descend steep hills to follow it. I'm carrying a load of camping equipment in a trailer behind my bike. So that makes it so much more difficult to pull up a steep hill. Several "Wankers" in passing cars insisted that I had to use the trail instead of the highway. The two fingers or the one finger, it's all the same to me.
Hedge and tree overhangs in the summer means parts of a cycle lane is impassable. I agree Councils pay lip service building the lanes but are woefully lacking in maintaining them. I have no suspension on my ebike. The roads are a smoother ride than the bumpy cycle paths.
A cycle lane might go straight on to the left of a left turn lane. This creates a dangerous criss cross effect, and most drivers aren't as thorough about checking the nearside as the offside.
My cycle lane hasn't been paved in like a thousand years, has bumps that rock your world, and is as smooth as gravel. The actual lane is smooth like glass 😑
we need to stop calling them cycle lanes and call them vanity lanes or virtue signal lanes, that's all they are, some local authority wanting to boast about how many hundred miles of cycle lane they have created, virtue signal their green credentials.
@@Dave-bu6bc I agree with your terminology. We cyclists have to take to the streets with all their inherent dangers and do the best we can to survive. Squeezing a bike lane onto an already crowded street is more of a vanity/politically correct issue for fat bureaucrats than a question of making cycle commuting safer.
I understand the arguments but especially "speed cyclists" with the fancy road race bikes don't use bike lanes even when they are in in best condition and follow the road for kilometers just because they think they are special or they feel superior. My observation as cyclist, pedestrian and car driver is, that the speed cyclists (and the delivery cyclists) are the worst cyclists.
Yup The issue is, folk like the guy who made this video don't view delivery riders as cyclists so they completely ignore they exist. As for speed cyclists, the guy in this video probably aspires to be like them.
The speed difference between 'speed' cyclists and 'normal' cyclists is too high for them to safely navigate a bike lane.This comes on top of all the reasons why people do not use bike lanes as shown in this video.
Excellent vid Jake. Sometimes the cycle lanes don't go to the intented destination, hence riders don't use them. E.g. From Elephant & castle, Cycleway 6 on St George's Road/Lambeth Road vs London Road.
On my 14 mile each way commute to work,there is a 1 mile stretch of cycle lane,that was built 2 years ago,during the lockdown and the great push to get people out of their cars. Unfortunately the stretch of road they have built it on is also by far the quietest stretch of road on my journey,as it is an industrial estate that is a slower route for motorised vehicles,so the only vehicles on that particular road are delivery drivers and workers In that area. So in my opinion,it is not fit for purpose. In the 1 mile route,there are no fewer than 8 places that a cyclist has to give way to people entering or exiting the businesses there. On the road next to it there are no places for a cyclist to have to give way. I would argue that to use the cycle lane is far more time consuming and hazardous than using the road. And apart from that one cycle lane,there are no other ones on my whole commute.
Great video and an interesting topic. I've been a cyclist for nearly 50 years, and use a cycle lane where it is available.... Without exception. The fact I can use the road, or that it might reduce a journey time if I do, is of no concern to me. Number one priority is safety. Car drivers are far more 'distracted' than they ever have been, there are way more of them, vehicles have increased in size and there are very high levels of drug and drink driving that are unchallenged by an ever more hard pressed police force. I have seen many occasions where new and very rideable cycle paths are ignored by cyclists, preferring to use highly congested roads. I think a spirit of pride may be at work in these instances?
I'd choose no cycle lane Vs some of the horrible painted strips in the gutters. They prevent drivers engaging their brains when overtaking. Leading to some really close passes. When there's no lane the driver is forced to think and judge a reasonable distance.
@@unsafecast3636 Well as the dutch say there are the "cyclists" and there are the "people on a bike". Saying this a a cyclist myself, cyclists will be a minority when good bike infrastructure is finally build like in Amsterdam, but in the end i'd rather have bikes all around than cars. And don't forget the 4m speedways that come with it!
@@wonjez3982 I agree, I just don't agree with the distinction between cyclists and _real_ cyclists. It's kind of like saying normal drivers aren't real drivers, racecar drivers are.
I’m a safe street’s advocate and this is one of the best summaries and explanations of all the reasons cyclists might not be in the bike lane that I have ever seen. This is so well put together, I’m going to be sharing it very widely!
Cycle lanes are a complete waste of space, time and money. It would be better to educate drivers and cyclist on how to safely and respectfully share the existing road.
Slowness is usually the deal braker for me, as an amateur road racer, I really hate having to switch from one bike lane to another, then having to cross the road. When I'm doing a workout, I just want to be able to god damn cycle.
@@richardsimpson3792 dude, it's impossible to cycle on most bike lanes / paths. I use them whenever I can, but I do often take the road instead. And no, the road does not only belong to those who purchased a 2-ton chunk of metal.
I don't ride cycle lanes for two reasons,they are either slap bang in the gutter with all the crap,or simply painted lines on pavements. Both not fit for purpose.
i tend to use bike lanes when ever is possible, but, sadly, it is very reraly possible, parked cars, pedestrians . . . and very poor designed tracks in my country, it is so irritating, to choose what you should do, its more like a ben hur track, for me.
car drivers sometimes need to just be more careful and stop complaining so much. the amount of times ive nearly been knocked off my bike by drivers or had them just being angry at me for being on the road and passing as close as possible or swerving towards me is ridiculous
The horrendous planning of cycle lanes have a lot to do with it. Pedestrians are the main issue ,as they continually walk in the cycle lanes blissfully ignorant of cyclists.
As serious road rider who's often hurtling around at 22mph, the speed factor is pretty much it for me. I'm much more comfortable hammering along in the middle of the road at nearly the same speed as traffic rather than riding in a narrow lane with minimal margin for error and a lot of things to hit
They can also be covered in snow, or they can be plowed but poorly plowed and covered in ice or lumpy snow, or they can be completely clear except a plow has come along and left a large pile of snow blocking the entrance of a protected lane so there's no way in
Most cycle lanes are only suitable for bikes with fat tyres at low speeds. If you want to move at resonable speed on skinny tyres there are dangerous and useless.
Drivers need to understand they cannot pass a cyclist unless they give them at least 4 feet clearance: otherwise the law now says its driving without due care and 3 points.
Great video. I agree with a coupe of commenters that say that motor vehicles pass closer to you if you are in a cycle lane - the 1.5 metre rule is forgotten.
Really informative video...as a complete non-cyclist this has really helped me understand the issues. So, I guess, whilst cycle lanes are a nice idea...they just don't always work!!
sometimes they only exist so that some elected official can brag about how many miles of cycle lane they created, whilst the reality is that they've actually made the road less safe for everyone.
Interesting video to watch as a german because in Germany bike lanes marked with the according sign ARE indeed mandatory and you can be fined for not using them. Bike rider‘s organizations like the ADFC try to turn over this regulation for many years now but the car lobby is too strong here. Serious cyclists in Germany would LOVE to have this freedom of choice!
4:29 - In New York City, we bicyclists are indeed legally obligated to use a bike lane if one is present. New York City Traffic Rules and Regulations, Title 34, Chapter 4, section 4-12(p) states: "Bicycle riders must use bicycle path/lane, if provided". The rule then gives exceptions, which mainly include making turns and avoiding obstructions. So, notwithstanding momentary deviations, someone in my city riding a bike on a street that has a bike lane is expected to use that bike lane at all times. This means that a hotshot rider will sometimes have to go a little slower than he or she is capable of doing, and there is nothing wrong with that. What's more, a bicyclist who does not wish to use a bike lane can very easily find a street that has no bike lane. But a bicyclist who simply elects to ignore a bike lane on the street that has one creates a terrible impression, and incites an already hostile general public (and the pandering politicians) to a further dislike of bicyclists. This problem is not theoretical; it has a real-world impact when legislators refuse to back improvements to bicycle infrastructure - or even favour its removal - based on their perception of lawless cyclists. Example: recently in the New York City Council, a legislator proposed the "Idaho stop", whereby bicyclists could proceed through a red light after a full stop. This proposal was essentially laughed out of the chamber, as multiple legislators angrily recounted tales of "crazy" bicyclists running red lights, going the wrong way, riding on the sidewalk (what you lot call the pavement), and doing all sorts of other impolite things. The simplest commonsense improvement is thus rendered virtually impossible to achieve. Every bicyclist is aware of the flaws in some bike lanes; and we all know that many traffic laws that were intended for cars are absurd when applied to bicycles. If we want these things to change, then we must stop giving our enemies free ammunition.
Cyclists: Drivers should have the patience to wait behind cyclists. It will only add a few minutes to their journey. Also cyclists: I don't see why I should have to be stuck behind other cyclists. To be fair the though, I do have sympathy for the other points.
A growing number of road users exist in a barely supressed state of rage. It only takes a single factor to trip them into foaming madmen and women. This is a societal and cultural issue that manifests itself as a cycling and driving problem, but is really an existential crisis of competing and irreconcilable behavioural norms.
One of the main reasons cycle lanes are so bad in the UK, and that cycling on the road is so dangerous, is because we allow every road to be permanently lined on both sides with parked cars. Because of all these parked cars, cyclists have to take the middle of the lane and hold up traffic behind us. When drivers get cross at us for holding them up, I think they should really be cross at the parked cars! This is so ingrained in our culture that we think it is normal, but it really isn't. I have lived in Japan where the cycling infrastructure is fairly mediocre, but you almost never see cars parked on the road, they MUST be kept off-road. In fact when you buy a car you have to prove that you have somewhere to park it. There is no reason we should allow our public, taxpayer-funded roads to be used for free long-term storage of private vehicles.
Agree - it's an absolutely bizarre expectation that you should be able to store your property (which is very harmful for the environment) on the street for free. Try questioning this though and the reaction you get is intense. Just another example of how radicalised much of this country is by driving.
Something I have learned very quickly now that I have begun riding much more is that I would rather be a bit annoying on a road than have to deal with possibly hitting and/or taking out pedestrians.
Just for clarification: You said you're not forced to use a bikelane and can use the road if you want. Is that really the case in britain? In germany you are prohibited from driving on the road IF there is a bikelane. Just curious :)
Yes, no legal obligation to ride on the bike lane, and perfectly legal to ride on a road that is directly adjacent to bike lanes (much to the fury of drivers, of course - not that it takes much for some drivers to become furious..!).
Hello mate. Hope you’re good. Im so pleased you’ve made this. So many car users shout and swear at me for not using the cycle lane and many of the reasons you give is why I normally steer clear. Number one for me is how poorly maintained they are, it always appears to me that all the crap and broken glass gets shoved in the lane and what with drains and parked cars, I always feel it’s safer to remain in the road so I’m not swaying in and out of the lane. Good work mate 👍🏻
That's a good video and shows things haven't changed since the 1960's! I'm no longer a cyclist, old age and failing joints prevent me bringing my cycles back to life, but I covered thousand of miles from my early teens to my 40's. 80,000 of them cycling up and down the A10 into London daily. Cycle lanes / paths were never maintained & full of debris and parked cars and those that crossed entrances to industrial estates were a danger to ride on. I always road on the carriageway 3-4 feet from the kerb to avoid drain covers and grit / sharps puncturing tyres. That distance gave me ample room to mover over a bit when traffic came too close. I only got abuse once from the instructor of a HGV learner - it got him nowhere! Cycling at 25 -30 mph on the A10 was normal in moving traffic, slow cyclists never went onto the main carriageway. Modern cycle lanes are an even greater danger to cyclist and pedestrians. Two way cycle lanes passing between busses and bus stops are accidents waiting to happen. They save no room on the carriageway over single lanes going in the correct direction to traffic flow. The people that design these lanes can never have ridden a bicycle properly in their life! The worst cycle lanes are in Cardiff - complete madness!
Hiya mate. Great video. This got recommended on my feed. I have never owned a car and have always cycled. I agree with every point in this video. From my experience most drivers are good to cyclists. Myself and everyone I have ever cycled with have also been very good to drivers. Allowing them to pass by pulling in and using the correct signals and gestures to show our intended path. I know there are plenty of crazy cyclists out there though that do not follow road rules and are all over place. Just a quick note to any drivers reading this that the vast majority of cyclists do care about everyones safety and happiness while on the road. However a one thing this video didnt mention is the infamous "left hook". Most cycle lanes are on the left hand side of the road. Often leading up to junctions cars often do not check their mirrors at all and turn left at speed. Sometimes accelerating past and braking hard just to get ahead of a cyclist. Leading up to junctions (even if turning left). You can expect me to take the middle of the left lane to discourage this behaviour. The "left hook" has nearly killed me multiple times and I do not have enough time (or space) to talk about how many times there have been outrageously dangerous stuff that drivers have done that has also nearly ended my life. Moral of the story is that there is always going to be those who are entrenched in the belief that cyclists are unpredictable or that most drivers are dangerous. Best thing to do in any situation is to drive/ride as safely as possible and to not get enraged when something doesnt go your way on the road and de-escalate road rage wherever possible. If all drivers and cyclists were of this mentality then there would be far less issues on the road but sadly I dont think this can ever happen as there will always be a driver or a cyclist with a recent story about something ridiculous they have seen a driver or a cyclist doing. The "must get one back" attitude seems to run strong on the road. Once again I enjoyed the video buddy and I look forward to seeing more.
Great video with loads of reasons why we use the road. In Bournemouth where I live, bike paths just end, usually just before a junction, so you have to take the lane to stay safe and visible.
We have 1 cycle lane where I live. It was build 6 months ago, its only about 150-200 meters long and is extremely bumpy to the point where nobody uses it, except cars.
@@senseofthecommonman It has suspension. Also, it seems like you think that we used the middle of the road instead, we don't. The unpaved dirt/gravel area next to to the road is better so we use that. My point is, money well spent on making a crap cycle lane that nobody wants to use.
You really have hit the nail on the head with this. Hopefully road planners will see it so they can design good cycleways. I am a motorist, but cycle about 100 miles/week. My cycling is done on pre -planned safe roads. If I want to pop to the shops or go in to town, I use the car, it's safer. When we get in to cars we become bullies. The attitude is, 'you might have right of way but I'm bigger than you, also if I cut you up you can't catch me'. In any other situation, bullying would not be tolerated.
Brilliant. Well balanced, illuminating video. I am both a driver and a casual but regular slow-ish cyclist (folding bike with 20" wheels"), and I've certainly encountered cycle lanes which were unfit for purpose. They often are poorly surfaced compared to the main carriageway, and sometimes require the rider to frequently negotiate kerbs or junctions in a relatively unsafe situation. Top work Jay. 👍🙂👍
Great video, Jake. basically...if you build good cycle lanes they will come. If you build bad or poorly maintained, or obstructed ones, most confident, competent cyclists will go with the more efficient flow of traffic - on the roads with cars. A great many cyclists are car-owners too, so feel comfortable riding with cars. To make cycle lanes well-used they have to offer a better cycling experience than riding with cars, not worse.
more than half the cycle lanes in the UK aren't real, they're just a strip of paint for a councillor to virtue-signal rather than a lane for bicycles to use.
Nice concise explanation. I've tried to explain this to drivers and have not done nearly as well as you did. Thanks for taking the time to explain this well.
Great video, Jake 🙂 What you say is true for the UK, I totally agree. However, I've spent the past 4 years cycling all over Europe, and some other countries way outside of Europe, and must say that Britain is the worst for cycling infrastructure. Even Panama, Russia, and Italy are far better for cyclists than the UK. The problem lies in the 1950s and 60s when Britain tried to copy America with its 'Car Culture'. We did have cycle lanes, tram networks, an extensive railway system... and all this was got rid of in favour of the automobile. We jus didn't have the space to do this like the Americans have, and that is the problem.
