Cyclists and cars can coexist, so add more bike lanes, please

As a bicycling adult for 40-plus years, I was dismayed by Larry Horist’s June 28 viewpoint, “South Florida bike lanes — designed to kill?”

Horist says to “never put slow moving vehicles in the same lane as fast moving vehicles,” and that “cycling on sidewalks is the safer practice.” How would that work?

My cruising speed to the beach is about 15 mph, with the mid 20s on sprints and bridge downhills. At those speeds, curved sidewalks at intersections and dimpled wheelchair ramps could make me crash. The real problem is that I’d be 5-7 times faster than the pedestrians, brushing by them in close quarters, possibly hitting them if they turned abruptly, or getting stuck behind groups at a 2-3 mph walk. The curb would prevent slipping around them.

Basically, keeping bikes on sidewalks keeps them from getting anywhere.

Transportation engineer John Forester explains in “Effective Cycling” that bikes are safe transportation when cyclists are visible and predictable for drivers, so drivers can see and avoid bikes. Moreover, since drivers already watch for cars, cyclists can be visible and predictable by acting like cars. Therefore, I ride like this:

I claim a mini-slow-lane on the right and stay there, steady. Approaching cars are only 2-3 times faster than me, so they see me well ahead, and slip around easily. No dodging in and out of side streets, parking, or sidewalks, so I never surprise by popping into traffic.

I obey traffic lights and signs. Traffic laws apply to me. I count on drivers obeying them, and stay safe by obeying them myself.

Hand signals for all turns and lane changes, and I watch for gaps to change lanes. For safety, I sometimes claim the whole turn lane, then move back right on the straightaway.

That’s about it. Acting like a slow, narrow, polite car, I can safely pedal at bike speeds on most U.S. roads. I save on gas, get fresh air, and see the sights. I also get some exercise, adaptable to my needs and ability. The laws in all 50 states allow biking this way.

Putting safety first, I wear a helmet with a mirror, bright clothes, and reflective clothes and lights at night. I avoid high traffic, but love bike lanes that are off the sidewalk and next to traffic, so I’m visible (e.g., the beach, Bayview Drive). On narrow roads, sharrow markings remind everyone that bicycles can claim a lane for safety.

Consider our Florida: flat, no snow, and only summer afternoons are too hot for outdoors. Here, more than any other state, bikes are good transportation for short trips. It saves gas, it’s good for you, and it’s fun! If you have training wheels or pedestrian friends, sure, use the sidewalk, but for biking to go somewhere, get your helmet, start pedaling, and tell your representatives where you want new bike lanes.

And for Broward, check out dpanther2.ad.fiu.edu/mpobike/ for routes.

Tom Sawallis is a native of Wilton Manors and a researcher in linguistics. He has taught at universities in Florida, Michigan, France, and Alabama.

Basically, keeping bikes on sidewalks keeps them from getting anywhere.