Simple solution for bus-bike conflicts

Something they figured out long ago in the Netherlands is that the safest way to design roads is to physically separate the various types of users. Hence the ubiquity of cycle-tracks. This not only reduces conflict between vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians, but it actually improves traffic flows in many cases.

Upon returning to Portland, there have been several instances where I've been riding the bus and the driver has had to wait for several cyclists to pass on the right in the bike lane in order to get over to the stop, then wait again to merge back into traffic. This is especially bad on streets like Hawthorne between SE Grand and SE 12th Ave, where traffic in all forms is high.

More than an inconvenience, it's a safety issue for cyclists. Having buses constantly going in and out of your lane isn't exactly ideal for things like "not getting hit" and "living" and such. Cycle-tracks would indeed be ideal to address the issue, but Portland has been somewhat slow to invest in them, as these are the only two of any significance in the city:

Raised cycle track on SW Moody (Image from swmoodyproject.com)

First cycle track in Portland, on SW Broadway (Image from bikeportland.org)

A full blown cycle-track is not the only option, however.  While the current configuration might look like this (and please forgive my lack of graphic design skills):

It would be a huge yet relatively simple improvement to do something like this:

It would require installation of a concrete island with curb cuts for wheelchair access, but in my mind the increased safety and reduced delays for both bus riders and bikers justify the expense.  Drivers, of course, might experience more delays due to being stuck behind buses loading and unloading passengers, but I don't claim to want to make things better for drivers (even when I'm one of them).  Besides, it really wouldn't be that much worse than the current situation for them since drivers are impacted by the constant weaving of buses and cyclists.  

Update (Aug 15, 2012): My good friend (and Dear Leader) Derek Abe enlightened me to the fact that there is actually a legitimate cycle track on NE Cully in addition to the two I mentioned here. 

Houten and Utrecht

Two bits of insanity from today:

This is a video of me riding through a BICYCLE ROUNDABOUT, which is below the roundabout for cars.  I'm estimating its cost to be somewhere in the range of $0-$10,000,000,000 and the Wow Factor to be valued at $10,000,000,001.  It's located in Houten, which is just outside Utrecht and is basically a bicycle and pedestrian enthusiast's wet dream.    

And this, my friends, is a DOUBLE ARTICULATED BUS (2 accordion-looking extension things) in Utrecht - riding in a dedicated bus lane flanked by a raised bike lane and further-raised sidewalk.  All because the Dutch want to and therefore they can.    

Addressing the "what-ifs" of biking

Today (which is a lie) I was reminded of one of my biggest barriers to cycling more frequently: the risk of getting a flat.  While touring through Rijkswijk and The Hague (again), the risk became reality and I had to patch the oldest and crappiest inner-tube on earth.  Long story short, this didn’t work for long, I ended up walking at least 100km, and replacing the tube took at least twice as long as anything I’ve ever done before in my life. 

“Wow,” you say.  “You’re complaining about a minor inconvenience in the middle of your two-week stay in Holland and you expect me to feel bad for you?”  You’re not done: “Get over it man; flats happen.  And while you’re at it, send me some stroopwafels to compensate me for the time I just wasted reading your e-whinings.” 

Bicycle superhighway near Delft.  Despite its awesomeness,
 flats can still happen here.

Easy there.  My point in sharing this anecdote is simply to point out that no matter how thorough, innovative, and user-friendly a city or region’s bicycle infrastructure is, it does not solve the problem of flat tires and other mishaps.  It may reduce the likelihood by providing cleaner/smoother riding surfaces, but it will not eliminate bike issues. And if the potential of incidents like this is enough to deter me from cycling, it certainly doesn’t help attract those less likely to choose a bike for more of their trips. 

Of course, complications are not unique to cycling.  People often have car troubles, buses and trains can sometimes be painfully late (or break down themselves), etc.  So no matter what mode one takes, the potential for delays is always there. 

Separate bike signal on bike path to reduce conflict.  This cyclist still didn't stop though.  

Thus, having alternatives is crucial.  Depending on where a cyclist "breaks down" in the U.S., he or she may have the option of hopping on a bus or train with their bike.  This still makes the cyclist dependent on the quality of public transportation service (here in Holland bikes are not allowed on most public transit due to capacity constraints).  According to bikeportland.org, AAA and the Better World Club offer bicycle towing services (but only to members), while some local Portland companies attempting to do so have failed.  Perhaps - just perhaps - if more people felt assured that if they encountered issues on their journey they had a reliable backup option, there would be more cycling by a wider range of populations.