09 February 2014

The Trouble with Bike Lanes in Winter

I love Arlington, VA, for its amazing commitment to dedicated bike lanes.  It can be tough in the winter, though, because the county uses street sweepers to get the roads clear of sand and grit as a result of recent snow and ice events.  As you can see in the photo, though, the bike lane is like a walkway to a sandy white beach.

It's hazardous, frankly, and it gives pause to those who would otherwise take up bike commuting.  It may lead them to think it's hard to rely on a bike year-round, even in good weather, as it was today.