Right Hook at 18th and Wentworth

At about 7:45 AM this morning (May 15, 2012) I came across a a cyclist who went down as a result of a right hook (I think). The rider is ok. Police where there already.

Pretty much every morning as I coast that rare downhill from the stunningly beautiful view at the top of the bridge in the nice protected bike lanes, anxiety replaces my joy as drivers creep into the protected lane from Wentworth.

This morning, my anxiety proved to be well founded.

CDOT added green lane markers to the intersections just last week. Clearly that isn't enough.

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Permalink Reply by Ash L. on May 15, 2012 at 11:38am

I wonder if left turns onto 18th could be prohibited from Wentworth. It wouldn't prevent anyone from creeping into the bike lane but at least they'd only have to wait for an east bound traffic gap before clearing the intersection. 

Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on May 15, 2012 at 12:06pm





Cameron Puetz said:

I have the same fear every morning coming down the hill on Kinzie, approaching Jefferson. Just because you shouldn't have to stop, doesn't mean that you shouldn't be prepared to stop.

I couldn't count the number of times I've avoided an accident by observing a driver looking like he were about to do something stupid, then riding assuming he would do something stupid. Most of the time, he does stupid. This is what people need to ride bikes more safely in the city -- defensive biking skills, not "protected" bikes lanes that aren't protected. If you still have to ride though intersections with cars, where most city accidents happen, then you are not protected.

Permalink Reply by Michelle Gregorek on May 15, 2012 at 5:25pm

How about a blinking sign, like I see done to stop signs at critical junctions in NW Ohio.  The sign could read "Yield to bicycles".  blink, blink, blink  I'm with you envane x, protected bike lanes aren't totally protected. 

Permalink Reply by djm on May 16, 2012 at 7:24am

Ive had to avoid right-turning traffic numerous times when heading eastbound on both Kinzie and 18th.  The protected bike lanes actually reduce safety in this situation by reducing your visibility to overtaking vehicles making right turns.  I dont think painting the lane green makes much difference.

Cameron Puetz said:

I have the same fear every morning coming down the hill on Kinzie, approaching Jefferson. Just because you shouldn't have to stop, doesn't mean that you shouldn't be prepared to stop.

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