Centerlaning:

I am a member of the Kent (WA) Bicycle Advisory Board (KBAB).

In my neighborhood, we have lots of streets with center turning lanes. I am pushing the idea that these turning lanes should be converted to bicycle use.

I believe that bicycles cannot safely ride on the right side of cars. Simple reason: in America the driver is on the left and is not positioned to see a bicyclist well, even when the bicyclist is in front of her.

Therefore, bicycles, in my opinion, may be safer in the center lane, where drivers going in both directions can see them both when in front, or behind the car.

This also keeps bicycles away from sidewalks and pedestrian traffic -- and there is certainly a lot of impedance between bikes and walkers as well.

I'm not sure what to think. To be sure, the images are arresting. But is bicycling really all that dangerous? Or is a widespread perception that it's dangerous really our target? Rather than a "bike safety" message, I prefer the anti-car "sticks" and pro-bicycling "carrots" of which we read so much on this site. Those efforts create more bicyclists. I am concerned that the "bike safety" message deters bicycling. But I also know that "bike safety" is a viable program because it plays into popular fears, funders like it, and it unites the beleaguered bicyclists.

I hope you're not saying we should sacrifice the needs of cyclists who are actually trying to get somewhere in favor of those out for a recreational jaunt.