I think that you are right; I I hadn’t thought through the various types of predictability/unpredictability. The unpredictability of New York Streets is not the same as the naked streets, these are streets with lanes and traffic lights and speed limits and parking lanes and no-stopping rules, all of which are totally ignored.

People stop in driving lanes, other cars drive on the wrong side of the yellow line to get past them, and then speed up to blow through red lights just as they’ve changed. It’s incredible to me how lawless this town is.

It’s this sort of unpredictability that makes everything more dangerous.What makes me the most frustrated is that there are so many vocal anti-cyclists who think that bikes are the problem; sure bikes are in the way, but they would be less in the way if cars drove better.

I totally agree that bike lanes are good for cars.

But, I was always under the impression that it’s unpredictability that can make streets safer, and that’s why naked streets and roundabouts work.

But it’s unpredictability combined with an expectation of predictability that’s dangerous. “I’m going to turn right at this intersection because I don’t expect there to be a bicycle or pedestrian beside me,” or “I’m going to pass this car really quick on the right because I don’t expect there to be anything in the way,” etc.

Please dispel me of my ignorance!

Hi from TO.

St Clair does suck to bike on. Props to Laurie for trying and surviving.
D!