Study: Cars Give Bike Lanes Less Space

A new study provides more evidence that people on bikes need more of a buffer from drivers in cars than a mere strip of paint can offer.

1 minute read

April 16, 2019, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

Timelynx / Pixabay

Angie Schmitt shares news of a new study that builds the case for protected bike lanes rather than the old-fashioned, painted bike lane.

"The study, published this month in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention, analyzed the way drivers interact with cyclists on various types of streets," according to Schmitt. "It found that drivers pass cyclists on average about 1.25 feet closer on streets with a painted bike lane and car parking than on streets with no bike infrastructure."

Instead of coming to the conclusion that less bike infrastructure, and more "vehicular cycling" (or riding a bike in the flow of traffic, like a car), the study's researchers suggest more robust infrastructure as the solution to this behavior by automobile drivers.

Read the full story: Study: Driver Behavior Shows Greater Need for Protected Bike Lanes

Monday, April 15, 2019 in Streetsblog USA

Infrastructure Transportation United States Bike Lanes Protected Bike Lanes Traffic Safety Bike Safety Bike Infrastructure Bicycle Passing Laws View More

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