Mary, I would prefer riding on the road, it's much smoother! In fact I own a nice Bianchi road bike but have not been on it in about 10 years, because I was nearly hit by a car while riding one day.
Awww, Timbo, don't be so skert. They put my arm back together after a car used me as a speed bump so long ago, and medical technology has improved a bunch since then. They could probably fix you up if you became someone's hood ornament.
ANd the new single payer health plan with foot the bill for you, right?
Where is that popcorn?
I think bike lanes are great and more effort should be put into this type of system as well as driver education. They are expanding bike lanes in my home county as part of any road expansion project. This keeps bikes off the sidewalk (now to deal with rollerbladers who keep knocking pedestrians over...) and speed limits under 45 make it more survivable for cyclists.
I have a nice strobe on the back of my road bike (embarrassingly old Cannondale) and coupled with a bright shirt, I think most drivers have to see me. I ride during non-peak traffic hours, and pretty much assume that any intersection I have to make solid eye contact with the drivers (in front and behind) so they drive over me making a turn.
I'm also lucky enough to have groceries, fuel, and a selection of local restaurants within a 1 mile radius of my house (with good sidewalks and bike lanes). Sure, it costs a lot of tax millage, but it should work in the long run to allow those who can use bikes for some things to do it more effectively.
