Fit City

By D

October 21, 2009 5:49 PM | Link to this

They need signs that say “bicyclists - please dont run red lights”

By steve

October 21, 2009 5:52 PM | Link to this

Cue the complainers in 5, 4, 3, 2 and….

By Fiftycal

October 21, 2009 6:17 PM | Link to this

So, If I am sitting at a stop light and a bicycle pulls up next to me, within 3 feet, do I get a ticket or does the bicycle?

By Just wondering ...

October 21, 2009 6:17 PM | Link to this

Are they going to paint the “lane” between lanes of traffic … you know, the one that bicyclists use to weave in and out between the cars.

By David

October 21, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this

Does this plan include signs that remind bicycles to obey stop signs and red lights, too?

By enyaw60

October 21, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this

Bicyclists should refrain from riding up lane between cars awaiting the change of a signal. Bicyclists should refrain from passing stopped traffic on the right side between the vehicles and the curb. Bicyclists should refrain from cutting corners at intersections. Bicyclists should refrain from running red lights and stop signs. Motorists should abide by the latter as well.

By DKF9

October 21, 2009 7:02 PM | Link to this

that’s alot of green paint to wash of into the watershed.

By spam

October 21, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this

Just remember people.. in Austin it is legal for a bicycle to ride on the sidewalk in most areas. When you are sitting in traffic waiting …. don’t whine when the bicyclist passes you on the sidewalk :-)

By Joe

October 21, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this

It’s strange the City is trying to make things better for cyclists instead of trying to just get them to obey the laws, which seems to be the bigger problem. Has anyone ever seen a cyclist ticketed for weaving between cars, running red lights/stop signs, speeding? Okay, the last one is a joke since they move so slowly they screw up traffic for everyone else.

I’m all for safety and legally using the roads, but cyclists don’t appear to be.

By D

October 21, 2009 7:10 PM | Link to this

We should paint bikers all sorts of whacky colors, dress them in awkward tight fitting uniforms, and make them wear goofy helmets so that we can see them. Oh wait, they already do that on their own.

By BK

October 21, 2009 7:11 PM | Link to this

I really don’t understand all of this hatred toward bikes. I get much more frustrated with the drivers in this town vs the cyclists. I’ve never had a cyclist force me into oncoming traffic because they’re merging without looking. Driving from Oltorf/Congress to Guadalupe/21st (yeah, I need to bike/bus it more…), I usually have someone do something like that at least once each way per day.

Heck, for that matter, could Cap Metro just keep their buses/UT shuttles from merging without checking the space directly next to them?

By wxrman

October 21, 2009 7:17 PM | Link to this

Seriously?

When is this city going to ask bikers to abide by the same laws as motorists.

Why do motorcyclists have to take classes, have turn signals, brake lights, head lights, etc. etc. etc. but bikers do not.

If you want to allow bikers to use the streets, obligate them to abide by the same laws and also require them the same equipment.

This is not about just making Austin “bike friendly”, it’s about traffic flow. The above comments speak well for the problems that bikers create.

By Mark Henricks

October 21, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this

It is annoying when bicycles run stop signs and red lights. However, it’s not nearly as dangerous to other people as when cars, trucks and motorcycles run lights and signs. That may have something do with why enforcement of traffic laws against bicyclists is not a priority.

By Matt

October 21, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this

Yes seriously. You may be the one and only motorist that cares about cyclists so much that you worry about their safety when weaving in and out of traffic or when they run red lights. There is another 99% that get annoyed when they have to move their fingers 10% counter clockwise to share the road with the other people who pay taxes to fund the pavement. You people need a day on a bicycle in traffic to find out what it’s really like to be 200 lbs vs. 2000.

By Andrew

October 21, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this

I love cutting off cars with my bike. Just waiting for that golden egg to hit me.

By ddg

October 21, 2009 8:37 PM | Link to this

Why don’t the police do “Bicycle red-light-runner and stop-sign-runner traps” like they do speed traps for autos?

By carri

October 21, 2009 8:53 PM | Link to this

Hey Everyone, the police ARE out there targeting and ticketing cyclists. I’ve seen them at Greenlawn and Shoal Creek ticketing cyclists who run the stop sign. I have friends who were ticketed at 6th and Congress for leaving the light early. The police ARE enforcing laws against cyclists so I’m sick of the uninformed complainers saying they’re not. Sure they can’t get everyone, so you may not know it’s happening, but rest assured APD IS ACTIVELY TARGETING AND TICKETING CYCLISTS WHO BREAK THE LAW.

By carri

October 21, 2009 9:00 PM | Link to this

The “Bicycles May Take Full Lane” signs have been up for a while now on both northbound and southbound Pleasant Valley from Lakeshore to the dam. They are excellent to bridge the gap between the bike lanes at either end of this stretch of road. Kudos to the city for helping out with a dangerous, unprotected stretch of road connecting 2 key bike lanes.

By colorado kool aid

October 21, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this

Could you explain what a “bicycle box” is, what it’s purpose is, etc?

By Mr Smith

October 21, 2009 10:15 PM | Link to this

Do bicycle riders have to carry insurance? What if my car is hit by a bicycle rider? Do they have to have license plates? Heaven forbid the first motorist that hits a bike rider on one of these crazy streets. When are the police going to ticket bike riders who run stop signs?

By Bitsy

October 21, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

When cyclist start obeying the SAME traffic laws that motorist have to follow then there may be some improvement in sharing the road.

By gb

October 21, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this

So, our gas, registration and dl taxes paid for these roads and now the gov’t gives away lanes of roads our taxes paid for to people who didn’t pay for it.

What is next? Will we have to ask bikers permission to use the roads we paid for?

Marxism at its finest.

By Jack

October 21, 2009 10:39 PM | Link to this

I say put it to a vote Austin City Council about whether to allow bicycle riders on city streets. What? Afraid to ask the public city council people?? Even my ardent progressive and liberal friends hate biycle riders.

By carri

October 22, 2009 7:29 AM | Link to this

This is shameful. What part of “Vulnerable Road Users” do you hateful folks not get? This protects an entire ecosystem of legitimate road users, not just the cyclists you unreasonably, universally hate. Haven’t you seen kids riding to school? Walkers and runners on roads where there are no sidewalks? Motorized wheelchairs? You may believe they don’t belong there, but your belief is irrelevant. They are legally protected and you have an obligation to operate your vehicle safely around them (same obligation they have). If they misbehave, whether they are drivers or cyclists or runners or whatever, it DOES NOT give you the right to respond with anger, vengeance, violent, threatening behavior. Pass SAFELY, give 3 feet or more, and let them get theirs when they pull something stupid in front of a police officer. And please spend some time in the lower income parts of town where people walk and ride to get around. Some members of our community rely on bicycles as sensible transportation (it really is unreasonable to fire up a 5,000lb SUV to drive 3 blocks to get a jug of milk).

Irrespective of how much you dislike a person’s behavior or disagree with their right to be there, whether they are in a car or on a bike, you are sharing a public roadway with them and you need to behave safely and responsibly. Some of you sorely need to be reminded of this and this 3-foot passing ordinance is EXACTLY the right thing for Austin with all of these violent hateful attitudes out there. Forget your hatred for a moment and understand your obligation as a citizen and a human being and do the right thing.

Oh, and just because to YOU “a bike is a toy” and “roads are for cars,” take a minute to look outside of your self-centered perspective an recognize that your use is not the only legitimate use of those things in our society.

There may be idiot cyclists out there, but you, by fighting for your right to pass too closely for safety, are demonstrating that you are far worse than they are.

By Jeff

October 22, 2009 8:25 AM | Link to this

Bikers are drivers too and they pay the same taxes, just not the gas tax…. Most of the people that complain here are idiots and are uninformed regarding bike laws…The more bikes on the road the safer it would be for all!

By D'Amico

October 22, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this

Your hate simply fuels me. I obey all traffic laws, don’t weave in and out, etc. And I still get honked at and roared at by guys who are trying to make their pickups an extension of their (privates).

Like it or not, bike use is increasing, and we’re going to be taking more and more of your precious real estate.

By JAM

October 22, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this

Hey Drivers! Just because the pedestrian walk sign is flashing, doesn’t mean you can turn right on green yet, let the pedestrian’s cross safely and legally please.

By Allison Peacock

October 22, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this

Wow. All of this venom is sad.

I’m an avid cyclist and recently became outraged myself at an idiot delivering for a downtown eatery who ran a red light right in front of me, almost mowing down a poor pedestrian crossing the street at the time. Idiots come in all shapes and sizes and use all modes of transportation!

It’s not the mode of travel that’s the problem. It’s whether or not your “mama raised you right!”

Get a grip guys. Respect, lawfulness, and safety have no political allegiance. Cyclers, drivers, pedestrians, Conservatives, Liberals….we all have a right to our opinions. And NONE of us has a monopoly on entitlement to getting to our destinations safely.

Cyclists and drivers alike, please learn traffic laws and exhibit some common sense and respect on the road. PLEASE.

And if in doubt exercise a little common courtesy…yield to your neighbor! It’ll make you feel great.

By lou

October 22, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

I love the new markings! I think they help me be more confident in navigating the city streets on my bike so that I can keep myself safe. As a driver, I like them because I know I will encounter people on bikes in these areas and I should take even more care to watch out for them. Braker Lane is being converted to have a bike lane now.

By AUS_ATC

October 22, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this

We are our own worst enemy — and that goes for drivers and cyclists.

When drivers dust-off cyclists — cyclists beg for more protective laws and consideration.

When cyclists are rude and inconsiderate of drivers and vehicular laws — drivers beg for enforcement against the cyclists.

In the end, we will all feel the pinch when we involve our City or State government to solve this type of problem. Mandatory licensing and registration (or worse) are just around the corner.

I got into cycling due to the “bike friendly” attitude that existed in Austin. It’s sad to see things falling apart between drivers and cyclists.

For my part, I will try to coexist with the drivers, and I hope that they will share some of their asphalt with me.

By chachi

October 22, 2009 10:47 AM | Link to this

almost everyone violates various laws, cyclists and drivers alike. i see both violating laws all the time; people are not robots and have free will. the hatred is unneeded and not beneficial. there are far greater things to worry about in life than the additional 6 seconds a driver is impacted for a cyclists failure to adhere to stopsign/light laws or similar.

By Allison Peacock

October 22, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this

All of this venom is sad. An avid cyclist, I recently was outraged myself at a bike delivery guy for a downtown eatery who ran a red light in front of me, almost mowing down a pedestrian crossing the street. Rude idiots use all modes of transportation! It’s not the vehicle that’s the problem. It’s whether or not your “mama raised you right!” NONE of us has a monopoly on the right to get to our destinations safely. Please learn traffic laws and exhibit some common sense and respect on the road. If in doubt exercise a little extra courtesy…yield to your neighbor with a smile! It’ll make you feel great.

By Laura

October 22, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this

It’s easy for drivers to get upset over having to obey new safety laws for cyclists. I wish THEY would get on a bike and ride alongside cars to see just how scary and dangerous it really is. It’s terrifying in and of itself, but even more so because you know a good portion of drivers feel the same as the drivers who have so hatefully commented here. Try putting yourself in cyclists’ position; maybe you’ll see how we feel.

By kristen

October 22, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this

lou has it - The new markings look great! I agree that they will help me as a cyclist to be more confident in navigating the city streets on my bike so that I can keep myself safe. And also agree that as a driver, I like them because I know I will encounter people on bikes in these areas and should take even more care to watch out for them.

By DKS

October 22, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this

Seems a bit redundant - cyclists already have the right to use the full lane when appropriate. Not only that, these markings, at least in the pilot program, are only being installed on heavily-traveled bicycle routes, where the drivers are more or less conditioned to expect cyclists.

What I’d like to see is bicycle infrastructure extended into NEW areas, rather than just creating solutions to imaginary problems.

By Pamela in ATX

October 22, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry, I just have to giggle at the comment “Marxism at its finest.”

GIGGLE!

The new markings look great! This is a life and death issue for cyclists, and I am really saddened by how many angry bitter people are behind the wheel in this city, based on some of the hostile comments. Come on folks, this is a great thing!!!!!

By nadalu

October 22, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this

We’re all on the road together. @kristen is spot on: the new markings & signage serve as a reminder for drivers and riders. Let’s play nice!

By Pam LeBlanc

October 22, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this

Someone asked about bike boxes. They’re a painted box at the front of an intersection (see photo), indicating that cyclists should move to the front of waiting traffic. Groups of cyclists can then clear the intersection first, getting out of motorists way.

By zap

October 22, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this

These always turn into “red light devil” discussions..
So, I actually run more lights in the truck (fullsize-v8) than on the bike (see me floor it when it turns yellow).. when I do run lights on the bike its when nobody else is around, or its safe for me). I could take out easily 10-15 pedestrians and 1 or 2 cars with the truck.. maybe 1 or 2 peds and a car-dent at best with the bike.. although, apparently, the bike doing it, is far more evil.

In Idaho and other states you can run stop signs and red lights legally on a bicycle.. and no, I don’t wish to move to Idaho..

Anyhow, I think the new bike infrastructure is great. Motorists can kill a cyclist and get off Scott-Free.. the news headline will usually say “cyclist wasn’t wearing a helmet”, which means it was his fault of course.. usually doesn’t mention motorist was wearign a seatbelt and protected by a huge metal cage with airbags, dunno why.. :)

By Fawn

October 22, 2009 2:02 PM | Link to this

How could anyone be against these?

By trust me

October 22, 2009 6:12 PM | Link to this

The APD and UT cops ARE ticketing cyclists for running signs & lights, you might not notice because you’re flying by in your vehicle!… probably yapping on your cell phone too busy to notice.

By Chris Mitchell

November 2, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this

local bicycle riders have earned my dislike by showing that they have no regard for people in cars and trucks when they pass you by weaving in and out of traffic and getting at the head of the line at stop signs and lights. Then hogging a whole lane while faster moving traffic is trying to get past. I especially find offensive the habit of seeing the finger displayed and hearing vile vindictive language pointed as other people try to safely get past a slower moving bicycle rider. When is some bicycle rider going to read up on the Texas Motor Vehicle laws that say a bicycle rider is obligated to observe traffic laws the same as motor vehicles except for minimum speed laws, and stay as far to the right when in traffic as possible. Check it out bikers there is such a law. When the local biker extremest start doing their part to obey laws of the road maybe fewer cars or trucks will have to pass them so closely.

By Amused in Austin

November 4, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this

What’s with all the delusion with the bicycles in this town? A bicycle is a toy - plain and simple. You can call it a vehicle, but until they have all the safety devices that real vehicles have, they are toys. I actually had to chew out one of these Lance wannabees this morning on my way to work because he cut right in front of me. Keep the bikes in the yard with the other children’s toys.

By Tom

November 13, 2009 2:49 PM | Link to this

I am not a bike rider but can appreciate the need for safety for those who are. However, especially in the neighborhoods that are being experiemented with, a little public education would have been helpful. The confusion that these “experiments” are causing are going to get someone hurt.