We're moving from the east end to the west end and to get a head start I picked up a large-ish zipcar and drove a few loads of boxes over this morning. Taking a few trips I was able to experience the other side of things on a few different streets and it was interesting to experience the other side.
First off, there were a number of cyclists on the roads even in the morning. Only one that I'd call a scofflaw, blowing a red light at a Tee intersection. Pretty low risk all things considered and (likely to get flamed by a driver for saying this) actually worked out better because we were not having to negotiate for the space when parked cars got rid of his lane just ahead.
The most noticeable thing, though, was that I *really* appreciated it when bikes were given their own space. I actually preferred the streets with bike lanes as a driver as well.
Bloor and Queen were a bit nervewracking with their parked cars and narrow lanes. There are definitely some tight spaces and a number of spots where negotiation between cyclist and driver was required. I don't mind this but it is a point that requires more attention and, as I know how it feels on the other side, it was a little stressful.
Richmond wasn't bad at all - not really that many cyclists at all so not really a conflict zone as a driver. I don't often go here and it was actually exciting to think that it and Adelaide are actually being looked at by the city for physically-separated bike lanes. It'd be an ideal spot for that leaving in most cases 3 lanes of traffic moving.
College and Harbord were both my favourites, though. Bike lanes were there and this morning mostly free of parked cars. The result is that while I had to be aware as always of bikes' presence the number of times some sort of 'negotiation' was required was minimal.
All that said, I'm glad to have turned the car in. I can see why drivers can be grumpy - it's pretty stressful (and I didn't even care about getting anywhere at a particular speed).
Yeah, I know, preaching to the choir in this case but I have to wonder what others' experiences are, particularly those who get around mostly by car. Is *their* impression that streets with bike lanes are less stressful?
