Our backwards town finally got a bike lane. It really is in a bad spot and goes no where. It was put there as the advice was to get the first one where it will not "bother" motorists. So the 3 mile stretch had no road parking already since it could not be approved if it affected road parking. BUT the city lowered the speed limit from 30 to 25 even though the normal speed was closer to 40. That probably peed many off.

Last weekend was the opening day ride. Suppose to have a police escort and the paper to take a picture, this would bring attention to the locals. 10-12 riders showed, me one of them. No police or reporter showed up, we waited. Our little 3 mile ride did happen. I thought to myself that the drivers had no idea what to do or how to treat a bike lane. A few passed in the center lane to avoid us. That was clearly not understanding how a lane worked. Two toots and revving engines in perhaps anger. A few slowing down.

I doubt if I will use the lane as it is on the other side of town, but still my sad remark is When will the first biker be hit by a right hand turn by a motorist? As clearly there was no interest in learning how the lane works. The paper should have had an article and rules for using it. Sad over all is how I felt about the event and figure no time in my life here will there be more lanes.