NYTimes article about NY's impending bike share program

Opens Monday in NYC:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/22/nyregion/a-bike-share-system-for-...

Found this bit to be quite relevant:

The Paris system saw several rider deaths in its early years, Mr. Asséraf recalled, before cycling growth in the city compelled drivers to amend their habits. “There was a sort of period of adaptation for car users,” he said. “They were sure to see a bicycle every minute or two on their journey. That was not the case before.”

I think Chicago is still on the early slope of the learning curve. It will take awhile before drivers realize we aren't going away. I assume a bike share program will cause a step function in the number of bikes downtown.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on May 22, 2013 at 7:13am

Bikers are facing "new" challenges too like riding in a lane with little or no visibility from cars at intersections due to the parked cars as a buffer.

These larger bulkier bikes won't be going anywhere fast and most of the ones I see here like Loyolas come with baskets and a front/rear light which activates when pedaling.

If I'm for cracking down on one thing it's having a front light on your bike, too many riders don't and that's dangerous to pedestrians, other bikers and you're not visible to cars plus it's required.