May 24, 2023

Here are the worst bike lanes on the planet 2.0 according to our readers

The speed at which bike lanes and fulsome bike networks continue to grow in many countries worldwide. But, there is still resistance, and even ripping out bike lanes in some rather backward-thinking municipalities — yes, we are looking at you Culver City. For the avid cyclist seeking an exhilarating and eco-friendly way to traverse the […]

Written by: Ron Johnson

For the avid cyclist seeking an exhilarating and eco-friendly way to traverse the bustling city streets or explore scenic landscapes, the existence of well-designed and safe bike lanes is paramount. Bike lanes are meant to provide a dedicated space for cyclists, ensuring their protection and promoting a harmonious coexistence between cyclists and motor vehicles. Not only that, a safe and protected bike lane is the number one reason why more and more people are and will continue to take up cycling and leave the car at home. A huge win for all. However, as much as cities around the world have embraced the idea of cycling infrastructure, not all bike lanes are created equal.

Welcome to a journey through the world’s worst bike lanes, where pedal power is met with frustration and danger. From poorly planned and implemented lanes to mere token gestures, these examples highlight the challenges faced by cyclists in urban environments. Inadequate infrastructure, questionable design choices, and a lack of consideration for the safety and convenience of cyclists have left many of these bike lanes as little more than mere paint on the road.

Here, we will delve into some of the most notorious examples of bike lanes gone wrong. Our exploration will take us across continents, showcasing the global nature of this issue.

Disclaimer: While our focus lies on the negative aspects of these bike lanes, it is essential to recognize the collective efforts of city authorities, urban planners, and cycling advocates who strive to improve and expand cycling infrastructure. The intent is not to discourage cycling, but rather to shed light on the need for better planning and execution to create a cycling-friendly environment for all.

And now, on with the show, beginning with a doozy in Florida.

US 98 between Ft. Walton Beach and Destin FL. Westbound bike lane placed as close to high-speed traffic as possible and ends abruptly. No eastbound bike lane and no alternative route. pic.twitter.com/VaKC2RhBHV

— Bryan Dotson (@BryanDotson13) May 5, 2023

And then we hop across the United States to the West Coast and San Diego.

pacific highway san diego. there is a bike lane before and after this. it suddenly disappears and you have to merge with traffic going 70 in a 55 mph

this isn’t a random road, its a major transportation corridor without any real alternative routes pic.twitter.com/boXpuPy62w

— OB Cycler (@ob_cycler) May 4, 2023

From there, we go up the coast to San Francisco.

Paint-only (aka Class II) “bike lane” in San Francisco with a 40 MPH speed limit, 3–5 driving lanes, two highway exit ramps, one highway entrance ramp, and an unprotected merge to continue on the road.

This is borderline criminal and should be converted to a protected bike lane. pic.twitter.com/FHgFwbT7Ym

— Luke Bornheimer (LukeBornheimer@sfba.social) (@LukeBornheimer) May 4, 2023

And then across the pond to Nottingham.

Useful stretch in Nottingham city centre. Might make it a Strava segment. pic.twitter.com/Rubp0Zbbz0

— André D (@arnos_grove) May 5, 2023

And back stateside to the town of Augusta, Georgia.

This “bike lane” in Lyon pic.twitter.com/6PeDDXaIwQ

— Augusta Bike Lane (@AugustaBikeLane) May 5, 2023

Here is a winner in Austin, Texas.

Here is a painted bike lane in the middle of a highway next to a merge lane from another highway. Car speed limit is 60MPH

360 & MOPAC in Austin, TX. Thank you @TxDOTAustin ! pic.twitter.com/vPpIm89iPo

— kelseyhuse.com on bluesky (@kelseyhuse30) May 5, 2023

And then across the globe to Auckland, New Zealand.

A shared path on Calliope Road, Auckland, New Zealand. Clearly no space on the road for a bike lane? pic.twitter.com/zWrWkpN8eM

— Michael Roth (@MobilityMichael) May 5, 2023

Salt Lake City, Utah, doing it up very poorly.

My favorite actual #bikelane. Beck St, SLC,UT. This is shredded rubber. There also lots of rock, mud, pavement ridges, and traffic. #cyclomute pic.twitter.com/1WaLINwtGv

— BykMor (@BykMor) May 4, 2023

The city of Dublin is always well-represented on these lists.

This is one of @DubCityCouncil finest

The gully of dread opposite the handlebar twanger of doom welcomes you to a narrow cycle lane that guarantees a wing mirror clipping from passing busses!!

Not welcoming for standard, let alone non-standard bikes… pic.twitter.com/v54Z8t7vO9

— phil wright (he/him) (@ukwrightphil) May 5, 2023

Seattle, what are you thinking?

This connects big neighborhood in Seattle to downtown. We call it the suicide merge. You’re expected to merge into fast moving multi line traffic, there is no buffer or protection. pic.twitter.com/OUqyf63ueY

— FastFoodDiet (@FastFoodDiet1) May 5, 2023

Yup, Dublin again.

North Circular Road, Dublin. pic.twitter.com/EJ8ChEXXEc

— Caisearbhán2236 (@tampopo2236) May 5, 2023

Back to New Zealand for this sheer madness.

Here’s another from #Wellington #NewZealand, home of your original post’s photo. Yes, that gutterstripe is meant to be a contra-flow bike lane on one-way Grey St.

Bloody legend. pic.twitter.com/RSPKX39gMi

— T.J. Mitchell (@TJMitchellWS) May 4, 2023

San Diego, what even is this?

@tahinisauce_ San Diego, in Mission Valley, Friars Road intersection with Highway 163 exit/entrance pic.twitter.com/pydktgPskK

— M (@silvertank42) May 4, 2023

Estonia, my goodness. This is … a lot.