The disappearing bike lane

So, you're riding along in a nicely demarcated lane, with no doors liable to be flung open in your path. Then the road narrows, or you reach a pinch point, or there is a zone for parking. Without warning, the lane disappears and you're squeezed into a lane of fast-moving cars. Rather than protect cyclists when road conditions change, many bike lanes simply sacrifice the safety of cyclists first.

Stairways (not to heaven)

It's true that some people cycle for exercise. Others cycle simply to get around. But no one should have to take part in a cyclo-cross unless they sign up for one. In Australia's most famous example, thousands of cyclists push their bikes up several flights of stairs every day to cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Ongoing campaigns for a better solution have come to nought. Imagine if motorists had to get out and push their cars through the toll gates?

Shared use of scarce space

Mostly, cyclists and pedestrians can get along, and why shouldn't they? In the event of a collision, both are at risk of being hurt. But things get tricky in commuter zones that are packed with people using both forms of locomotion. Often, these areas have been designated as "shared use" as an easy, cheap alternative to proper infrastructure. When things go wrong, pedestrians and cyclists spend their energy arguing with each other. Instead, we should rather unite to demand better facilities.

Obstacles and obstructions

Examples would include poles in the middle of a path, bus shelters you have to squeeze around, temporary signage that blocks the way, "rumble strips" designed to slow you down even though it's a bicycle-only lane, and minuscule ramps that feed on and off footpaths. Fine for trundling along while shepherding a three-year-old on training wheels; not so great if you're actually trying to get somewhere.

Signal failures

If it takes twice as long to use the dedicated cycle path, confident cyclists are just going to use the street. There have been ongoing frustrations with the cycle ways in Sydney (conceived by the city council but designed and built by the Roads and Maritime Services), which often leave riders stranded at the lights. Or how about the five minutes it can take a law-abiding cyclist to cross this intersection?