The peripatetic Michael Geller is back from Spain. And he, urban observer that he is, has condensed all the good ideas he saw into a single post. Like these good ideas:
Bicycle Lane markers: in addition to separated bicycle lanes, in some situations a small raised marker is set into the pavement to help discourage cars from intruding into the bicycle lanes, and prevent cyclists from intruding into the car lanes. Now this is an idea that could work in Vancouver in many situations.
Cigarette Butt Holders: I came across plastic units that fold into a cone and can be inserted in the sand, or just about anywhere, to collect cigarette butts. Surely we can adapt this for Vancouver.
Don’t like the bicycle lane markers. If there’s space to build a physical separation (as there appears to be in the photo) then there should be physical separation. It feels safer and will therefore attract more ridership, and there’s a lot less chance of getting taxis, etc. stopping in the bike lane or (to give equal time to the other side of the argument) having bikes veering unexpectedly out of the bike lane.
But I think these or some similar deterrent might be a good idea for the sections of the bike lane were cars have to be able to cross, such as at the entrances to back lanes, etc.
Budapest has bicycle lane markers similar to these too on major arterial routes. They would definitely attract the attention of a motorist whose tires strayed over the line, much like the corrigated rumble strips do along highway shoulders.
@Mark – the thing is that an actual raised curb will ALSO get a motorists attention, and what’s better is that it will actually PREVENT all but the most determined from deliberately making incursions into the bike lane.
i couldn’t find the link, so tracked it down:
http://gellersworldtravel.blogspot.com/2010/08/10-good-design-and-life-style-ideas.html