"I've learned firsthand why cities like Lubbock need better cycling infrastructure now, not later. As cyclists, we all know the uneasy balance of sharing the road with vehicles that outweigh us by thousands of pounds. A bike lane isn't just a strip of paint - it's often the only physical space between us and potential tragedy. And after decades on two wheels, I can say this with certainty: bike lanes save lives."
"When I started pedaling again, the towel got sucked into my derailleur. My bike locked up instantly and threw me off. Here's the part that still hits me: I was in a bike lane. Just as I hit the pavement, a car flew by in the adjacent lane. If I had been just a few feet to the left, I might not be writing this. That painted patch of asphalt - the one most drivers ignore - probably saved my life."
Bike lanes provide a physical buffer that often prevents collisions and can be life-saving. A cyclist training extensively for a cross-country tour experienced a derailleur jam and crash while riding inside a bike lane; a passing car narrowly missed causing a fatal outcome, illustrating the lane's protective role. Lubbock's existing network is fragmented, poorly maintained, and located on streets that still feel unsafe to ride compared with cities that have continuous, visible, and thoughtfully designed lanes. Expanding, connecting, and properly maintaining bike lanes would improve safety and reduce serious injuries and deaths.
Read at Theoldguybicycleblog
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