Bike Lanes Don’t Make Cycling Safe
ForbesJUN 2022
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules Cyclists Can 'Take the Lane'
Above: A cyclist in the Fitlers Square neighborhood, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 8, 2024. Image copyright: Matthew Lovette/Jumping Rocks/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This ruling protects cyclists' fundamental right to make safety decisions on the road. Forcing riders onto dangerous shoulders filled with debris, potholes, and hazards puts lives at risk to appease impatient drivers. The person on the bike knows best where it's safe to ride.
Narrative B
The court's vague "reasonableness" standard creates more confusion than clarity for everyone on the road. Without clear rules, cyclists face arbitrary enforcement, while drivers are uncertain about when they can expect bikes to move aside. This ambiguity makes roads less predictable and potentially more dangerous.
Narrative C
The ruling gives cyclists the right to take the lane, but with that right comes responsibility. If cyclists want to claim the whole lane, they need to follow all traffic laws — no skipping red lights, blowing through stop signs, or riding on sidewalks. Consistent behavior is essential to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
Narrative D
The ruling may give cyclists more freedom, but it doesn't change the fact that cars and bicycles don't mix. Roads are for vehicles, and bikes create unnecessary risks by being on them. Sidewalks exist for a reason — safer for cyclists and less disruptive for drivers. Everyone wins when bikes stay off the main roads.