Thought this was a simple yet cool way to ensure the safety of cyclists at intersections (where cars making right hand turns can be deadly). All it takes is a little paint. Fun little 2-minute video explains it:
http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/portland-green-bike-box/ (//%22http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/portland-green-bike-box/%22)
If we had that, would Biker Fox still have to signal a left turn with his middle finger?
(http://www.podbean.com/image-logos/21434_logo.jpg)
Fox in Box
...sounds so Dr. Seuss!
There are some problems with bike boxes. First, they make left turns for a cyclist more problematic when coupled with Portland's ubiquitous bike lanes, particularly when the street is more than 2 lanes wide. Does a cyclist make a left from the green box in the right hand lane, or does he move into that lane well before reaching the intersection and the (presumed) safety of the painted box? Portland, unlike California, requires that motorists yield to cyclists on their right before turning. CA requires that they merge into the same lane before turning.
Another problem is that they encourage cyclists to filter forward around idling cars. Normally, we discourage passing on the right.
Bike boxes have no proven effect on safety. I suspect that a simple "No Turn On Red" would do as well.
Honestly, as an everyday cyclist and instructor, I don't want special treatment on the road, special rules that only cyclists have to follow, or special infrastructure set aside for my exclusive use. I want all road users on the same page, operating under the same rules. Same rights, same rules, same road.
I'm going to request refraining from posting Fox pics without warning please.
quote:
Originally posted by Townsend
I'm going to request refraining from posting Fox pics without warning please.
WARNING
(http://www.bikerfox.com/foxphotos3/images/DSCF3446.jpg)
KABLOW!!!
That is one magnificent bastard.
I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.
Bike box? I thought that was a new sport like donkey basketball or something.