this post was submitted on 13 Jun 2024
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Yeah. I'm extremely lucky that there's a lot of options where I am that aren't a painted bicycle gutter. I still end up on those roads all the time, but it'll usually be less than half of my trip distance so when I'm in one its easier to keep my guard up. I'm also just getting really comfortable riding in mixed traffic on calm side streets tbh, because there's enough critical mass of bikers where I am that outright rage at a cyclist "in their way", on streets that aren't main streets or highways, seems to be uncommon. But where possible I do love a good separated path or lane. We have a variety, some totally off street, some on street but 2 way and parking-protected, or curb-protected. Some are at sidewalk level, especially in the CBD, which I have mixed feelings about but is great protection from drivers and doors. And of course lots of legacy painted bicycle gutters too
Like yesterday I had to go across town to pick up a package from an unusual pickup location. I went like:
3-4 miles total. And the most dangerous bit in that entire journey genuinely might have been the parking lot at the end, though the side streets between the bridge and the rail trail are pretty bustling (but very low speed).
Plenty of journeys are much worse than that example (venturing into most suburbs is a mixed bag) but like, the whole metro area is honestly much better than the national average and I still get people here acting like its suicide. I'd rather live with the risk than let my (un)happiness be dictated to me by amorphous, ill-defined fear. I know so many people with chronic injuries (whiplash, concussion, back problems, etc) from car accidents, but they don't just stop driving cars, even though they've been hurt by them and know how bad they are for the planet and society. It's dictated by social norms and going with the flow much more than most people like to admit, so they rationalize. It can be exhausting going against the flow, but its worth it