In the letter "Cyclists are less visible in bike lane," Aug. 11, Ian Klepetar advocates bicycling behavior that is contrary to law. He states: "The farther left you are, the more likely the driver will see you," and he implies it's safest to be "the bike rider in the middle of the road."
However, state vehicle and traffic law section 1234 clearly contradicts that. Bicyclists must ride either in a bike lane or, if none is provided, "near the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway or upon a usable right-hand shoulder in such a manner as to prevent undue interference with the flow of traffic except when preparing for a left turn or ... to avoid conditions that would make it unsafe [e.g. traffic circles, narrow lanes]."
Bicycle advocates widely agree that reducing bicycle/motor vehicle interaction increases safety. Bike lanes are a key means to that end, preferably separated or protected lanes. Accordingly, many cities in the state are working toward more bike lanes. Finally, debris next to curbs does not affect an entire bike lane; I base that on extensive riding of every bike lane in Albany and Troy.
Disparaging bicycle infrastructure and encouraging unlawful behavior is not helpful to the safety of the bicycling community.
Principal designer, BikeAlbanyMap.com