Driving in the protected bike lane, eh

By On March 24, 2012 · 21 Comments

Updated 4/5/12 to add links to other discussions on this topic, my response to one of the discussions, and a link to my tweet mention this issue to 25th Ward Alderman Solis. 

I was hanging out on 18th Street on Tuesday, watching traffic as I often do, and interviewing Alyson Fletcher about her bike count project. I captured this driver of a Chevy Malibu casually driving in the protected bike lane.

Aside from emailing this to Alderman Solis and the Chicago Department of Transportation, I have no idea what to do about this (I haven’t done either of those things yet – maybe you, as a resident, should do that; I tweeted to Alderman Solis on April 4, 2012). I think the design could be modified to physically prevent automobile traffic here (except, perhaps, emergency vehicles). Other things could be added to make this more apparent as a bike lane, by adding more color and doubling the size of the pavement bicycle symbols.

I also photographed two other people driving in the bike lane. Is there not a place where people can cycle without the danger of drivers impeding their space?

Array

Kia Forte driver.

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BMW driver.

Follow the discussion elsewhere:

  • The Expired Meter - Author poses question about possible lack of clarity in the signage, symbols, or road design that sends the message that the curbside lane is for cycling only. I haven’t investigated this part. I don’t know if there are signs at the entrances to the lane that describe it as “right lane bike only” (I’m not sure if this sign is acceptable to the MUTCD – I can’t find it there – but there are many instances of it being used in Chicago). However, that sign’s posted restriction is further than what’s necessary. A sign that says “bike lane” (R3-17) is sufficient to cause that any driving in said lane is a citable offense under Municipal Code of Chicago 9-40-060.
  • EveryBlock - I posted it here.
  • Grid Chicago – I posted this about this topic later on Grid Chicago asking which bike issues most concerns readers.
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  • Adam H.

    Get his plate number and file a police report. He’s breaking the law.

  • http://sidburgess.com Sid Burgess

    Scary stuff.  Can’t imagine being in that lane with my kids.  Something’s got to give. 

    • http://www.stevevance.net/ Steven Vance

      The whole purpose of protected bike lanes is to be able to bike there with your children. Or your grandmother. There’s this mantra called “8 to 80″ that bicycle activists and advocates keep pushing. And these facilities are designed well enough up to the point where they can’t actually keep people from driving in them. It’s as easy to drive in the new facility as it was to drive here before the facility was built.

      • Lizzyisi

        This seems like such an aggressive, nasty thing for drivers to do–ride in the protected bike lane–so I wonder if there is a serious problem with the lane markings. I see a very faded bike silhouette on the road, but no signage.

        Drivers (for the most part) just do not think bikes belong on “their” roads, and this protected lane does not seem to offer any contradiction to the assumption that it’s for cars. Do you know, are there any plans to make it more obvious or to  ticket drivers who do this?

        • http://www.stevevance.net/ Steven Vance

          I’m not aware of any plans to change how 18th Street works and operates over current.

  • http://www.videoconverterfactory.com/tips/rip-dvd-to-mkv.html Jason Howard

    It would be suitable for beginner to have a drive there, I think it is safe.

  • Ann

    I’m sharing this item from UT Austin where the same problem exists. Here is how one artist is addressing awareness.  http://wp.me/p1Gkz6-d7
    Stay safe out there everyone!

  • http://www.commuterage.com/ Brian Morrissey
    • http://www.stevevance.net/ Steven Vance

      I’ve watched this several times before. Always good for a reliable laugh.

  • Erin Vogel

    This is infuriating.
    E

  • C L

    I wonder if drivers are assuming that the markings are only to police cyclists — indicating that cyclists should only ride in the bike lane — but drivers think they can ride there too.   They have to see the painting of the bike on the road, so I don’t think the explanation is that they missed all of the markings indicating that it’s for bikes.

    As someone who drives and doesn’t bike, I actually love this.  Sharing a narrow road with cyclists can be stressful, especially when anyone involved (drivers or cyclists) behaves recklessly.  Two separate lanes would make me feel less anxious.  I wish we had this on my commute.

    But I have been confused by markings — I think I would understand that this is a bikes-only lane, but when they put those “shared road” markings on some narrow streets in my neighborhood, I was really confused because I thought they were indicating a bikes-only lane, but there didn’t seem to be any way to drive outside the “bike lane” without crossing the median (especially considering the 3-feet rule).  I didn’t realize it just meant to share the road until I saw it here on this blog.  More education about lanes and markings might help.

    • http://www.stevevance.net/ Steven Vance

      You’ve hit the nail on the head about more lane education. The law is pretty clear. If it’s a bike lane, you can’t drive it except to cross it when parking or entering a driveway.

    • http://www.stevevance.net/ Steven Vance

      Check out this article: http://theexpiredmeter.com/2012/04/protected-bike-lane-used-as-car-express-lane/

  • SauceXX

    Although I in no means condone the driver in that lane (the driver seems impaired in the video), that’s a lot of street being taken up by a bike lane that bikers aren’t using.  Why is it even big enough to drive a car down?  The bike lanes near me aren’t anywhere near that size, and they don’t have the buffers either.

    Estimates put regular cyclists at 1% of the population (much less in Chicago winters).  Gives you a different perspective of the 1% vs the 99%.

    • http://www.stevevance.net/ Steven Vance

      This is what’s called a “protected bike lane” and an entire lane was converted for use by bicycles only because car traffic was so low that the second lane wasn’t needed. And it was the only way to create a bike lane (protected or not) in the available width.
      That estimate is low. Biking to work is about 1.5% (that means 16+ with a job who cycle to work). Unfortunately, that’s the extent of our knowledge.
      What in the video leads you to say the driver seems impaired?

  • luis.larrea

    Other than the BWM, I’m sure the other drivers weren’t aware it was a bike lane.

    • http://www.stevevance.net/ Steven Vance

      I’m tending to lean toward that perspective now. I think a few adjustments here and there can make it quite obvious that the curbside lane is for bicycle riding only.

  • Donna T

    Not all drivers have a problem with bike riders, I drive and bike many of us do. I take 18th., and I don’t recall seeing any signage, however I do think the intent is clear and people driving in these lanes are self entitled people. But this happens on both sides, I was just starting to drive after being at a stop sign, and a biker came out of nowhere I had to stop, they thought it was funny and gave me the finger.

    Are all bikers like this, no. I usually wave bikers through at a stop when I see them slowing down, most give me a thank you nod. There are good and bad on both sides of the coin. With gas prices up, more people will take to their bikes, this is good for everyone.

    I hope we can all drop the “all” when we speak of drivers vs. bikers and just try to get along. If someone does make a bone head move, keep it in perspective and don’t take it out on the next driver/biker you come across. Misplaced anger just carries on.

    Be patient out there no matter what kind of wheels you’re riding on.

    • http://www.stevevance.net/ Steven Vance

      I like your diplomatic approach to this issue.

      • Donna T.

         Thanks Steven, however I will admit to giving him the salute back, so maybe not so diplomatic? But, the reaction was in the proper place and nothing that would harm the biker, such as hitting the gas pedal.

        All I can think is maybe this biker was just recently cut off at a stop, and it’s misplaced anger, which is just pointless. To bad there wasn’t a safe Prozac pill people could take before hitting the road. This wasn’t the first time I’ve had something wacky like this happen to me.

  • mapgirl

    It will be a battle of awareness until bikes outnumber autos.  Here is one design idea that is meant to show the concept of a safe 3′ buffer. http://utbicyclecampaign.wordpress.com/2012/03/29/balloon-bike-installation-friday-330/trackback/