I wanted to say a few words about the, you guessed it, bike lanes. We have seen many, many responses to the bike lanes here in Bend and how important it is to keep them free of vehicles and junk. Just a reminder to those who commute via the man-powered machine with two wheels: Please do not park in the bike lanes unless it is an emergency.
Only city vehicles and emergency vehicles can park in the bike lane – NOT semi’s, pickup trucks, cars, delivery trucks etc. If I get hit by a car (while) avoiding some idiot in the bike lane, guess who will be sued? It is not worth the headache, and if you are in a company vehicle and this happens, well, the obvious applies to you, too.
So to avoid an impact with a cyclist and his machine please, please, please do not park in the bike lanes – even if it is for a few minutes.
Thanks and God Bless,
Simon T.
This article appears in Mar 26 – Apr 1, 2009.
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well said, Simon. I might add also that bike lanes are not passing lanes either. Using the passing lane as a travel lane or passing lane for motorized vehicles is extremely dangerous. I’ve seen many cyclists almost get squashed near St. Charles hospital by impatient motorists. No, I dont’ mean all motorists either. thanks to all those drivers who are aware of other users of the road and are looking out. It’s not about us vs. them, since many of us drive and also ride bikes…it’s just about being aware of what you’re doing whether your’e on a bike or driving. Don’t forget to check your mirrors when turning right also…especially if you forgot to signal…a cyclists maybe stopped right next to you, or going straight since he or she thinks you are also. thanks. We’re all part of the same community.
just wanted to add that is was NOT cool seeing a red pickup truck with a trailer parked in the bike lane and on top of the sidewalk on Saturday…in front of the Sparrow Bakery. This would be less than 100 yards from where Keith Moon was killed last year by a lady illegally stopped and blocking the same bike lane. Careless acts have real consequences.