Bike lanes work?

Researchers at the University's of Texas' Center for Transportation Research are the latest to pump up the bike lane debate, saying the dedicated lanes help drivers and bikers "stay in safer, more central positions in their respective lanes," based on a new study.

"Without a marked bike lane, there appears to be a lot of uncertainty about how much space each person needs -- even when adequate road space is provided," said Randy Machemehl, director of the university's Center for Transportation Research (CTR), where the $114,000 study was conducted.

There will likely be debate on this study, with some bikers arguing that bike traffic should carefully mix with motorists and that bike lanes give novice cyclists a false sense of security. Debate links here, including some knowledgeable local sources.

Austin, Houston and San Antonio are considering making more bike lanes as a way to meet federal requirements of the Clean Air Act. But before the study, according to a press release, "little was known about the best approach for adding bike lanes to existing roadways for commuter comfort."

With a striped bike lane, the study found six of 10 motorists swerved, but those who swerved only encroached about 40 percent into the opposite lane.