Dealing with bike-lane blockers in Toronto

Hey folks! Thanks for checking out this video. It has really taken off recently, and I appreciate all the views likes and comments. Note, I have a NEW channel with more of this kind of content over at:
bit.ly/3jWvGmU
Come on over there and check it out!
*********
In this Sept. 24, 2020, ride I took Toronto's then-new Bloor and Danforth bike lanes from Dundas West to Woodbine, and had some hair-raising moments with lane-blockers, pedestrians and trying to pass slower cyclists.
This is kind of an update to my first Bloor-Danforth lanes video in late August:
• Dodging ebikes on the ...
I'm really stoked about these protected bike lanes that now ALMOST extend from Scarborough to Bloor West Village. But there are some challenges for cyclists, due to the design and the behaviour of motorists and others.
Strava Record: / strava

[@benfsinger]

Hi folks, thanks so much for all the interest and comments on this video! I appreciate the opinions, even if I disagree with some of your takes. Bike and bike lanes surely seem to be one of the more divisive issues around road use and road safety in general. Also, I have a newer channel with more and better bike ride content. If you are interested check out: kzbin.info/door/Oe0SXg_eWh0W_dYnbmHDIQ

[@jawoo2228]

you didn't actually "deal with" bike lane blockers, you just whined a lot

[@robertosanchez8793]

It's a automobile world. You take your life in your own hands. Also, you're not following all the rules of the road yourself so...

[@trentdabs5245]

Just ride on the road it's easier Vancouver is the same way

[@bochog7587]

@@robertosanchez8793 true 😆

[@FUGP72]

Always fun to see assholes like this post something the theythink will get positive comments of people expressing sympathy for what they have to go though, but quickly finding out that like every other aspect of your life, you are AL ALONE in this. Again...like every other career, you are failing badly at this KZbin attempt.

[@Jeff_P-1988]

As a Dutchman, all I can say is crap infrastructure provokes crap driving. Good Infrastructure is designed in such a way that all forms of traffic can coexist happily. The one in the video appears to be designed in such a way that it's not only easy but sometimes even necessary to inconvenience one and other.

[@liokin229]

I have no idea why our roads are like this. I'm hoping to take an internship or maybe even work in Amsterdam to try to learn from the best so I can try to make my home a better place.

[@Robertahausen]

sir, you are absolutely correct...

[@martinkent333]

IN CANADA, VELOCITIZED DRIVERS TERRORIZE CYCLISTS. CYCLISTS DON'T WANNA KNOW.

[@paxundpeace9970]

Sure you no not just bikes and bicycle dutch

[@BMarie774]

Yeah other countries are a culture shock in that way. Like Denmark for a example lol. A fluid means of transportation…? What?! No! Certainly that’s not possible.

[@chokhou]

I just cycled 100km thru the city today and I have to say that taking your time will reduce the chances of an accident. I experienced all the same situations you did and patience made my ride enjoyable.

[@moreseun]

yes it definitely pays to pick your spots for speeding and realizing that riding in most dense places in the city requires patience :)

[@arbiter8246]

@@moreseun just throw your ego out the window

[@two-sense]

That's because you're not an a-hole like this guy.

[@gaelicd8328]

At least you guys admit to speeding. Let's be fair and in that regard cycling was designed for recreation, getting from A to B at leisure. What we're seeing from many today is full blown racing speeds designed for speed tacks with absolute disregard for other users.

[@benfsinger]

Wow, bravo on your long ride! It must have taken some time if you were going that slow. I have places to go, and people to see. I'm out here trying to stay alive and live my life, not have leisurely rides. So I don't really need you to tell me how to ride. I have never had an accident, with one exception that was caused by a bike failure, but you do you my friend!

[@denali637]

I'm about halfway with you on this. It looks like some higher-speed bike infrastructure might be nice in some parts, but the reality of good urban cycling infrastructure - like good urban car infrastructure - is that it is *not* particularly high speed. On city streets in the world's most bicycle-friendly cities averaging 10-12mph is about all you could hope for. Which is fine, because you probably don't want to show up for work sweating buckets after riding 20mph for half an hour or more...

[@benfsinger]

That's interesting, thanks. For the record I was rarely, if ever, doing anywhere near 20 mph in this video. Not sure what speed it looks like I'm going, though the GoPro wide angle might make it look faster. I probably aim for about 20 kph (around 15 mph) on city streets. I go faster if I can and want to, but the point is when a car or other obstruction pulls out and blocks a cyclist, it doesn't really matter whether you're going 10 or 20. The point is the design should discourage it and the driver culture should get smarter.

[@xWink]

This is completely untrue, Vancouver is the most bike friendly city in Canada and I average 30+ km/h on most bike lanes, with some even being safe at 60 km/h.

[@neddyseagoon9601]

@@benfsinger you know that 15mph is about seven times faster than walking, right? Did I see you use the pavement somewhere? The commenter wanted even faster cycling infrastructure. Why not the same for cars and trucks? You constantly observed problems during your ride which was great, but unlike when driving a not much quicker in traffic, car, how often did you stop pedalling and racing toward them orincrease risks by swerving around them without slowing down?

[@johanwittens7712]

@@xWink if you're biking at 60km/h, you're not commuting, you're racing. Even in the Netherlands people would call you a nutjob that needs to get off the bike lane since you're endangering every other normal bike commuter at that speed.

[@xWink]

@@johanwittens7712 some of our bike lanes are car lanes blocked off solely for bike/pev usage, so higher speeds are completely reasonable and there is tons of passing distance.

[@crimson177]

This is why I end up ignoring the bike lanes in London half the time. It is dangerous to keep going re-joining traffic like that.

[@moreseun]

exactly right!

[@muyaho420]

This video demonstrates so well what it's like to bike in Toronto and how NOT to design bike lanes.

[@LACKanime]

In America bike lanes are a luxury

[@Robertahausen]

don't see this guy running for office so who care what he thinks...or you....

[@martinkent333]

DO YOU STOP AT STOPS SIGNS, jYL?

[@martinkent333]

@@LACKanime DO YOU STOP AT STOP SIGNS, LACK?

[@martinkent333]

@@Robertahausen DO YOU STOP AT STOP SIGNS, SS? I WANNA KNOW IF YOU HAVE THE TIME TO CHAT. KIDS NEED TO SEE LAW-ABIDING ADULTS BUT DON'T.

[@M3ntalbug]

2:55 "I assume I don't have to tell you you're blocking the bike lane, right?" I like how you phrased that 😁👍

[@martinkent333]

DEFLATE THE TIRES.

[@martinkent333]

Dude, do you stop at stop signs? Do you have time to chat?

[@fe7kh]

Its a car centric city w Uber delivery. Wtf do you want? Have you ever ordered delivery? Its not: youre blocking the bike lane. Its: let's share the space. Pyscho

[@cmmartti]

@@fe7kh Have you ever ridden a bike in Toronto? The laws are quite clear: it is illegal to drive, stop, or park in a bike lane.

[@fe7kh]

@@cmmartti share the road and go around. It's also illegal to blow thru stop signs and red lights yet cyclist do all the time. No one is parking their delivery truck far away, to delivery the food to your favorite restaurants. Until the city plans better, just have to share.

[@deleuze369]

It’s true they are far from perfect but honestly a welcome improvement. Going slower when you are in a shared bike with riders of different skill levels and experience may prevent you crashing into a slower commuter . High park , the Don or Humber accommodate faster speeds and have space to maneuver .

[@benfsinger]

Thanks for the comment! I agree, I am happy about the lanes too. Caution is required, though I always try to give a wide berth to slower riders. Just curious how this video came to you because it's taken off in the past week, and I'm not sure why! I actually have a newer channel at bit.ly/3jWvGmU if you care to check it out! Tx!

[@deleuze369]

@@benfsinger it popped up in my feed tonight actually . Will check your other out . Be safe

[@martinkent333]

CYCLIST WEAR EAR BUDS AND CAN'T HEAR BELLS SIGNALING PASSING.

[@martinkent333]

@@deleuze369 DO YOU HAVE TIME DO TALK? DO YOU STOP AT STOP SIGNS, MITCH?

[@papasitoman]

Splitting lanes, weaving in and out of bike lane then regular traffic lane, speeding past people who are moving to “slow” for you then having the gall to get angry at practically everyone else on the road-pedestrian or motorist or biker. Great job, mate!!

[@ropeysubstance1719]

you're mad at a cyclist for splitting lanes? are you unable to steer your car and maintain a straight line or something?

[@MervynPartin]

Your comment is spot on. I was about to add a similar comment, but you beat me to it. This typical behaviour of an entitled cyclist is an accident waiting to happen.

[@KekusMagnus]

@@MervynPartin entitled car users have all the road to themselves and still manage to blame cyclists

[@duckicanuck]

Argh where that cyclist cut off the pedestrian!! That intersection is horrible for it. Three cyclists did the same last week and actually made a poor women twirl on the spot as they went both sides of her & fast. Just bad manners & dangerous.

[@ejungleska]

the cyclists around U of T are horrible, especially by Varsity Stadium and that Tim's. Absolutely no respect for pedestrians. The guy who posted the video seems to be a decent guy, but he's far in the minority.

[@benfsinger]

Why thanks. I do my best! There are poor cyclists out there for sure. It's not cool. At the same time I try to keep in mind that even a terrible cyclist is unlikely to cause serious injury or death to anyone other than themselves. Better etiquette will come with more normalization of cycling as a mode of safe transport. Until then, while cyclist are considered part of some "fringe" and feel unsafe and marginalized on the road, bad behaviour will be more common.

[@andy-the-gardener]

made her twirl on the spot. like on a cartoon lol

[@Pandastico0]

he didnt cut off anyone lol, he passed like 3s before and wait for the pedestrian at the next crossing to cross. yea he shouldn't cross a red but he didn't endanger anyone. On lights like this, if there are no pedestrians crossing I usually go aswell bcos there's 0 danger to it and imo even safer than stopping

[@Robertahausen]

carry around a stick and put it in the wheels... they slow down

[@bmorepanic]

Poor designs, but also poor behavior on the part of the cyclist towards pedestrians.

[@diffened]

bmorepanic, yeah, he treated that space as his own personal and don't dare cross it or go slow. Forced that old lady off her bike and onto the kerb. In cases where bit suited him, he swerved out into the road to pass but in that case it was "get the eff out of the way, I'm coming through regardless." In many cases he really came across as an arsehole.

[@stinkyham9050]

This guy is the quintessential cyclist that feels superior to all others and ignores the rules while get pissed off at people for ignoring the rules.

[@juanvalencia2323]

You should follow the bike path all the time, in zig zag you will get an accident soon. Just be patient and follow the line.

[@drivers99]

I don’t know man, going left of right turning traffic seems better than getting run over

[@littleripper312]

Love seeing parents out biking with their kids on the back, always makes me happy to see that.

[@bokhans]

Why do bikers think they should be able to ride uninterrupted? If I drive a car I sometimes end up behind other cars and I don’t start honking my horn and start screaming screaming. fing rude this guy. Yes I am a biker myself have done some really long rides, 4670 km and 5200 km so I think I know what I am talking about.

[@benfsinger]

Congrats on your long rides. Very impressive. I don't have an expectation to ride uninterrupted, but I do have an expectation that cars don't cut me off of illegally park or drive in bike lanes. I hope that helps!

[@kaycee557]

@@benfsinger You think you have the right of way over pedestrians, too. What gave you that notion?

[@sebastiand1816]

@@kaycee557 Because its dangerous? You also don't just cross the road when a car is going to hit you or would have to slam the breaks.

[@kaycee557]

@@sebastiand1816 Pay attention. I didn't say that.

[@martinkent333]

Get-there-it-is effects pilots and city slicker Karen cyclists, Hans. Wiki it. It is a big part of road rage, along with velocitized drivers terrorizing cyclists.

[@sweeney7050]

Bike lanes are great until there are knobs like you bombing around, you dont see the dutch riding like you in a city, you'll bring speed limits and more restriction to the lanes.

[@da.j.9096]

Most people will be too passive or shy to call out a driver in the bike lane. I say if this guy wants to do it, he probably speaks for many frustrated cyclists and will hopefully help correct some of that behaviour to avoid future accidents. All fun and games until someone gets killed.

[@mil3ston3s]

I can’t tell if I’m adding years onto my life by cycling, or taking them off because of frustrations like the ones in this vid.

[@1skepticme]

How selfish of the entire world not to get out of your way, and allow you completely unfettered access at all times.

[@two-sense]

Yes, I think we should all stop what we are doing, and dedicate the rest of our lives to making this guy happy.

[@raccoonman6358]

How would you like it if I made a semi truck block an entire interstate? You’re so selfish if you dont want me to do that, I need to park somewhere!

[@MisterJZ]

Riding that fast in the city and along a bike lane shared by different levels and types of cyclists is reckless.

[@adammacer]

Right? It's not your personal race track..

[@blake-gl4wn]

He should just stay in the “car lane” i reckon.

[@matthewgrice5411]

So bike commuting should just be illegal? Maybe like he is trying to show better and more infrastructure is needed. 15 MPH is not reckless!

[@MisterJZ]

@@matthewgrice5411 Not at all. Calling for much needed infrastructure improvement is great but what is not good and reckless is going 15mph on infrastructure that cant accommodate that speed, creating a dangerous situation for other cyclists and himself. Hope you understand.

[@garyboyle695]

@@MisterJZ 15 miles an hour is not fast, how fast do you think he should be going, as fast as the slowest person so there is no overtaking?

[@zaranski1889]

Unfortunately, the North America never solve the problem of the bad bicycle infraestructure. A good bicycle infraestructure is way more than just painting the street with green.

[@brucebenson5908]

He never told us what his emergency was that caused him to speed through the bike lanes.

[@Chasam93]

He wasn't using the fastest gear and he had already paid for it. It is clearly an emergency... And he is a dbag

[@KekusMagnus]

only an entitled car driver who has never commuted by bike would think he is "speeding"

[@brucebenson5908]

@@KekusMagnus Actually I have lived in Bologna for several years, commuting daily within the city center on my bike. This guy is in some great rush, making things less pleasant for others. Just watch him. Just listen to him. The problem with the Net is silly comments like this one from people who are mean-spirited.

[@wsbygt]

Hey dont be an idiot and respect the rules like stoping at red lights. Dont give roadies a bad rep. Cheers and ride safe!

[@blooptastic]

The problem with that is the rules often don't consider anything that's not a car even as an afterthought. Where I live, there are plenty of stop signs in places where you'd only ever stop a bike if you have a death wish, and red lights that will happily stay red all day if there isn't a car in front of them. I routinely *have* to run red lights even on my motorcycle because I literally couldn't get anywhere otherwise. If everyone should follow the rules, the rules need to work for everyone.

[@wsbygt]

@@blooptastic That´s not my reality and does not make any sense to me. Honestly, where do you live?

[@blooptastic]

To be clear, not making excuses for the guy in the video. He should've stopped for the pedestrian!

[@wsbygt]

@@blooptastic Thats all I´m saying man. If it was me crossing the street would pissed off with this idiot. Imagine having a crash with your beloved bike because some idiot is busy yelling at others with total disregard about traffic? I do talk and confront drivers but I live by example too.

[@goldenking2046]

@@wsbygt anywhere in america that isn't a city

[@johnkimball5872]

They aren't blocking the way your just going alot faster

[@benfsinger]

The cars? When they are blocking a bike lane, it doesn't matter how fast a bike is going. They are blocking it. #science

[@martinkent333]

THEY WEAR EAR BUDS AND CAN'T HEAR HIS LITTLE BELL, JOHN.

[@martinkent333]

@@benfsinger DEFLATE THE TIRES, MR MONTY PYTHON.

[@johnkimball5872]

@@martinkent333 yes

[@johnkimball5872]

@@benfsinger oh yeah you are correct.

[@lettyzane2720]

Dear lord This is the most stressful commute ever

[@neon_tom]

It's not really a commute, the video is a collection of different major bike lanes across the city. If one were commuting in Toronto I would recommend taking side streets and staying off main roads as much as possible.

[@traviskitteh]

You think this is bad, try Chicago's Old Town district at 3pm. You can't even use the bike lanes due to the swarm of uber drivers clogging the lanes while waiting for their pickup. Also, pedestrians trying to reach those ubers fling themselves into traffic.

[@GilesWendes]

Those lanes are so thin! They didn't expect them to be used?

[@will_rides_bikes]

There is no room at all to pass, even if the slow cyclist sticks to the right as close as they can. I've ridden these lanes a few times and find it safer to ride with traffic if it's moving.

[@batmscot6149]

I wish more people would do this rather than just moaning .Your being helpful and it's possible someone might listen and learn something .Thanks from the islands in the hebrides in Scotland .

[@benfsinger]

Hey I appreciate that! I've gotten so much hate from this video (though more views than I ever do). I wonder why it's gone so much to the UK, as I live in Canada and have never biked over there. Love to some time though, Cheers from here!

[@jsmariani4180]

I used to be a city bicyclist, and somehow lived through the period. Way too dangerous. Now, if I ride in the city at all, it's a mile or two on back streets or alleys.

[@mabriff]

I used to commute by bike in Boston between '99-'13, long before there was a single bike lane in the city. I got doored about 4-5 times, and went over the hood of a turning car twice. But luckily no serious injuries during that period. I have no idea how I survived lol.

[@davidbarts6144]

Sounds like you need to adapt a 6-volt automotive horn to your bicycle (or just purchase one of the ready-made such solutions out there).

[@matthewgibbs6886]

did you win the race

[@Joseph_-jf4hn]

I feel for the bikers when people block the lane, but like what happened in the video I can’t stand those bikers that run the lights or almost hit pedestrians crossing the crosswalk on a light

[@benfsinger]

Agreed, both are bad. I would say though that the chances of those cyclists actually killing someone are very low to nil. I've heard of it but it's extremely rare. Cars are much deadlier. It's just physics, but I don't condone rude or dangerous cycling either!

[@davidjones-vx9ju]

@@benfsinger someone standing in the bike lane is not going to kill anyone

[@nostalgia815]

I can't stand cyclists who don't stick to the cycle lane.

[@shadowgarr7649]

@@nostalgia815 But you're ok with folks blocking or driving in bike lanes?

[@nostalgia815]

@@shadowgarr7649 Is that what I said?

[@outbackwack368]

Remember, pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way, not self-righteous asshole bikers. And yes, I ride 100+ miles a week.

[@robp1316]

In some places the cars had no choice but to be blocking the cycle lane whilst they waited to see if it was safe to proceed out of the side road or carpark etc. Do cyclists not have to stop when crossing a side road that isn't controlled by traffic lights?

[@benfsinger]

That wouldn't make any sense, as travelling on a major road you cross dozens if not hundreds of side roads. Some have signals, and there I stop. Cars turning out from the side roads have the obligation to see if it's safe to turn without obstructing lanes, bike or otherwise. It can be tricky at times due to parked vehicles, and we should be understanding, but for the most part car drivers pay little attention to cyclists and pull out, cutting us off in the process. When one SUV edged out and blocked the bike lane, I urged him to go ahead, because I could see the road was clear.. It might sound "rude" but there is no other way to communicate when on a bike and dealing with closed-windowed, oversized vehicles.

[@rogerwelyki1370]

I noticed that you zip in and out of your bike lane very quickly and I really really doubt that you use any hand signals at all. Unfortunately, you seem to be one of the self entitled people that because you ride a bike you deserve to go unimpeded anyway you want. Unfortunately there are other people that live and drive in the same areas and you need to be aware of them because you were the one that’s going to die if you get hit

[@rickwalker7900]

@@rogerwelyki1370 wtf what kind of shit you pulling

[@hippoeug]

I think you could be more forgiving. I’m not saying you’re in the wrong, but for example cars edging out. They might have been stuck there for a long time and just need to eventually edge more and more into the traffic, inadvertently getting into the bike lane. I’m from a country where there isn’t much bike lanes, so I’m not sure either. Just my opinion

[@thebrooklyntc]

If you think this guy could be more forgiving you should check out Zero Enigma on KZbin. Don’t even want to imagine what your comments would be like on his videos hahaha

[@girshin]

You have to edge to see what’s coming. Often you’ll see an opening, move up and a car pops out from behind an obstacle and then you have to stop and end up in a bike or pedestrian lane.

[@heroslippy6666]

@@girshin If you have to edge into bike lanes and sidewalks, then the streets are designed poorly. Visibility should good enough to be behind the crosswalk.

[@stinkyham9050]

@@heroslippy6666 That's nice, so what do you think us drivers should do? Maybe we could get out of our vehicles and start building a new road right then and there just for us. We have to edge out or we can't see what's coming including a cyclist.

[@heroslippy6666]

@@stinkyham9050 Complain to your city that the roads are poorly designed. Parts of the world have road safety figured out. The US is stuck in a mindset thinking that car accidents are a part of life and that nothing can be done. Places in Europe have gotten this figured out decades ago. Roads can be built safer. Visibility can be improved around corners. Physical obstruction may have to be removed, but it can be done.

[@whitecloudmountainminnowpr6353]

I don't get why you feel like noone is allowed to get in your way .

[@cycleyyz]

Our protected bike lanes don't really facilitate efficient traversal. Proof is in how often you had to leave them/how many obstacles there were. I personally avoid cycling on Bloor/Danforth and leave it to the less confident. They will have a better experience if im not there too.

[@benfsinger]

Yeah for sure. I totally get your take. I also don't use them that much, but it's hard to find a more convenient east-west route across downtown!

[@cycleyyz]

@@benfsinger I use Dupont/Davenport west of the Don. Dundas (getting worse) or Cosburn east of it. Yes, it can be out of the way, but its faster since you don't need to slow down as much.

[@benfsinger]

​@@cycleyyz you'd have to be pretty fast to make it worthwhile for most of my rides! But I know you are! Also, Dundas is being closed for all of October at Howard Park, so that's gonna make things fun!

[@SuperJoeaverage]

@@cycleyyz good choices. I have used milverton going east and found it to be a great ride.

[@cycleyyz]

@@SuperJoeaverage except that there are no lights across each major intersection - bit of a pain. Mortimer is OK.

[@portugueseloveconnection]

I ride Bloor everyday. got to the point of adding a air horn to my bike. bells are underrated for city riding

[@LinhVu-jt5di]

I am in san jose california. I cycle a lot daily. I commute. They have expressway 45-50mph. I love it. I dont have to deal with pedestrians pets, other cyclists (rarely), parked cars, bike lanes, protected bike lanes, etc. I only have to deal with one thing: fast moving cars, in and out of freeway overpass or underpass (they call it on ramp and off ramp). Do you have any solutions to on ramp off ramp situations? I can ride minimum 15mph max 20mph flat surface on these expressways. These expressways have few traffic lights.

[@jannetteberends8730]

Most of the video I was holding my breath. What a dangerous journey.

[@martinkent333]

DO YOU STOP AT STOP SIGNS? DO YOU HAVE TIME TO CHAT?

[@jannetteberends8730]

@@martinkent333 you mean on a bicycle? I’m from the Netherlands, I never saw a stop sign when on bike. The channel not just bikes made a video about it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/amPSgoFtm96Sm68 And I don’t chat at all.

[@CrazyDingoMan1]

I would say 4:31 is kind of a lose lose situation. If the car had stopped further to the right it would have blocked the sidewalk, and if it had stopped any further yet to the right, the driver wouldn't have been able to see oncoming traffic well enough, thus potentially resulting in the white car getting t-boned by another car. Point being it looks like a shit spot to have to pull out of.

[@gillesguindon1044]

Why are complaining about parked vehicle in the bike lane?It’s ok for cyclist to go from bike lane to roadway but not ok for traffic to use your lane to pass slower traffic.Then people wonder why accidents happens.

[@benfsinger]

You have stated the law well, thank you!

[@alheadbme]

Yes. It is ok for a cyclist to go from the bike lane to the roadway but not ok for traffic to use the bike lane. You seem to have a good understanding of the law.

[@gilesfaraday]

You appear to be a little impatient and somewhat judgemental of other road users. Perhaps a bit more consideration for others and less on how quickly you can complete your journey.

[@benfsinger]

Yes, I do get impatient and judgemental with people breaking laws, blocking bike lanes, cutting me off and otherwise putting me at risk.

[@thebrooklyntc]

Haha if you think this guy is judge mental and impatient (which he isn’t) then you’d get a kick out of Zero Enigma on KZbin haha.

[@tommen81]

@@benfsinger But the white car waiting to make a left turn at 4:32 did nothing wrong, right? He can't see if he waits further back and you got around him just fine. Don't take too much stress and ride safe. You are right about cars stopping/parking on bike lanes just because they are lazy to walk a couple of meters. They shouldn't do that.

[@GDoggProductions]

Brilliant video, I think after the fourth time seeing the hint about out.out risking getting hit by a right hook car, it's now drilled into my head to just go and pass them on their left, great video

[@psycholist724]

This video is the best evidence I've yet seen in favor of lane-holding.

[@NoirpoolSea]

If you want to act like a motorist who think bikes don't belong in the street, why don't you just ride in the street with the cars and leave normal bicyclists in the bike lanes alone? I am a biker and folks like you give bikers ovefrall a bad name. Your video just gives power to motorists who don't even want the city spending money on bike lanes and shrinking their precious road ways. ..or you could just relax and look at Not Just Bikes and see how it is really done. True. our bike infrastructure is not a good as the Netherlands but you don't have to act this way. What is your hurry?

[@antiwhatever5391]

Our issue here is the bike lines being directly to the LEFT of parked cars…I can’t even hardly utilize the lane without fear of someone just pulling out or my ass getting doored haha but if I ride in the car lane…I get yelled at…

[@matthewgrice5411]

So jealous of the little infrastructure you all have, we have less in most places in the US.

[@rafangille]

i’m in san diego and we’ve recently added lots of similar infrastructure

[@andrewhodgkins2292]

If any nation is serious about environmental issues then the bicycle must be given a higher priority

[@benfsinger]

Amen, brother!

[@DeclanCW]

@1:28, the car didn't cut you off, it was making a left turn as the green was ending to clear the intersection. However, all the more reason we need fully separate bike infrastructure, Toronto is so bad, forcing bikes to contend with cars as a second class form of transit on the same road network.

[@tiaxanderson9725]

Don't know why this was suddenly recommended to me. I just finished and liked a bunch of animated videos... Anyway, as a Dutchman this is stressful and I *know* this is leagues better than most cycling infrastructure in NA :0

[@grahamsowerby6087]

You've said it all! Passing slower cyclists!! From what I've witnessed of cyclists it' s a constant I'm faster than you race! You are not on the toure de France even though your licra bodies might suggest it! Use cycle lanes which at great cost have been installed for your safety and treat red lights like they mean something!!!!!

[@sebastiand1816]

Just No

[@hickster222]

Bikers are quite happy to hold up cars but don't like getting held up themselves do they.

[@martinkent333]

Cycling weasels crave death. Are you related to Gary Sowerby? Cycling weasels crave cash payouts for small traffic accidents. Do you stop at stop signs Graham? Do you have a minute to chat?

[@garyboyle695]

Maybe drivers can drive without using their phone, running red lights, change lane without indicating, ignoring give way lines and pulling out dangerously on to oncoming traffic. Drivers are the biggest menace on the roads not cyclists.

[@trevcam6892]

Have you ever thought that vehicles often cannot see if it's safe to pull out from a side road without having to pull on to the bike lane? If I'm driving and a pedestrian is on a collision course with me do I just keep up the same speed and to hell with the paperwork? No, I slow down and take evasive action. Don't bicycles have brakes these days? Priorities in order of merit: 1 Pedestrians 2 Bicycles 3 Motor vehicles

[@heroslippy6666]

A strode is poorly designed if you have to be in the bike lane/ cross walk to see around the corner. Some places will even require certain amounts of visibility around corners.

[@robertblue3795]

as a daily bicycle commuter I can't stand riders like this guy.

[@thrivedru]

Right on, dude. Just moved to Vancouver island from Main street station on the Danforth... huge change. I was a courier there for a few years, riding fixed. I took the Dan into downtown every morning... It's nice having this video to show to my partner and friends to accurately depict what an average commute was like. Good stuff, thanks (y)

[@carbonunit6573]

Lucky you. Not sure how long you’ve been there but whatever it was that you knew is now 10x worse. Toronto is not friendly to anything that moves, even pedestrians. I was close to moving there but my wife changed her mind. I’m probably gonna move there without her. The whole GTA is a nightmare. And it seems, nobody cares.

[@thrivedru]

@@carbonunit6573 oh, man... I just moved here in January hahaha not too long ago... maybe move here and send your wife pics and videos of how peaceful it is. She might change her tune ;) I dont regret it

[@carbonunit6573]

@@thrivedru we are there all the time. We have family there. She is doing her best to make my life miserable. Hence the end of 26 yrs of marriage. BTW gas is $2.14 a litre here. What are they jacking you for gas now? Last I remember it was about 40 cents more per litre there.

[@thrivedru]

@@carbonunit6573 oh, well....shit...sorry to hear..... or.... congrats on your emancipation? We're paying 2.26 per L right now.... and it's supposed to go up to 2.30.... it's insane. It costs just over 100$ to fill my little truck.

[@jasonb6860]

If you're cycling in a city with bike lanes, one thing you have no right to complain about is slower cyclists. Commuters need to get places without being drenched in sweat. Heck commuter bikes are designed to actively discourage speed and increase comfort. In downtown Montreal, during rush hour, it isn't unusual to be following 10 other very slow cyclists as you're going home. Bike lanes, frankly, need speed limits during peak use hours. But what you can complain about is that your bike lane isn't side enough to let you pass slower cyclists.

[@benfsinger]

Where did you see me complain about slower cyclists? I am mentioning that it is difficult to pass them in the bike lanes, so I find ways around them. I didn't complain once. People have the right to go their own speed. That said, they should be aware of their surroundings and not stop in the bike lane or obliviously wander into it without checking.

[@nealrobinson7054]

I am plagued with people opening Dar doors, I got shunted twice last week.

[@benfsinger]

It is never ending. I've learned to give them a wide berth, but still get caught at times. Check out my newer channel here: bit.ly/3jWvGmU

[@daifromwales9543]

Really? It happened to me once in pouring rain after 20 years cycle commuting in London (England).

[@martinkent333]

THAT YELLOW VEST IS UNSIGHTLY, BUT SAVES YOUR ASS. I THOUGHT FOLKS WITH KEYS ON A CHAIN TO THEIR PANTS WERE SIMPLE, UNTIL I LEFT MY KEYS IN THE DOOR MULTIPLE TIMES.

[@martinkent333]

@@benfsinger THAT YELLOW VEST MAKES CYCLISTS SEEN, BUT CYCLISTS PREFER BLACK CLOTHES, FOR THE EXACT SAME REASON PEDESTRIANS WEAR DARK CLOTHES AT NIGHT. PLAIN SUICIDAL. ONE CLOSE CALL CURED ME FAST.

[@martinkent333]

@@daifromwales9543 HERE IN CANADA, CYCLING FOLKS WEAR DARK CLOTHES AND BLOW STOP SIGNS. THE DRIVER PARKED NEAR A CORNER, LOOKS AND SEES NO CYCLIST. THEN THE CYLIST BLOWS A STOP SIGN AT HIGH SPEED AND COMES INTO DOORING RANGE IN ONE HALF A SECOND. CARS NEAR CORNERS NEED TIME TO REACT. IF THE CYCLISTS STOPPED, THE VELOCITY IS SLOWER AND EASIER TO SPOT. BLIND SPOTS LIKE CORNERS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR DOORING. CYCLISTS WHO GET DOORED ARE RARELY VISIBLE. THE DRIVERS WEAR SUNGLASSES. OK DAIF?

[@andyscholman8963]

let the roadbuilders come look in netherland

[@benfsinger]

I am sending them over! The problem is they might not come back!

[@daifromwales9543]

Most Netherlands cities have wider roads except in the historic centres.

[@brammeijboom1873]

@@daifromwales9543 Nope, been studied. www.aviewfromthecyclepath.com/ has some info about that.

[@daifromwales9543]

@@brammeijboom1873 It is undeniable that London is huge, hilly and windy. Especially hilly and windy. My most obvious cycling destination is one mile away. Uphill all the way. The pleasure is not worth the pain. OK I enjoy my veteran cycle in the local park, although I can never trust oncoming cyclists to pass on the left, which leads to some scary confrontations. And I cannot carry my arthritic mother in law to church on a bicycle. Work is 7 miles (10k), over hills and against the sun on the way in, and against sun and wind going home. Incidentally cycling (like most heavy exercise) is bad for your teeth and gums!

[@emiel1976ep]

They did and came upp with this crap! It isn't a joke, they really looked ad the Netherlands and Copenhagen, but clearly didn't understand how to do it!

[@Soundbrigade]

Our small town (Vänersborg, Sweden) are making some efforts to build bikelanes here and there. Sometimes they do it according to the "Rabbit Bible" (Correct) but sometimes the efforts results in disaster. When watching the video I notice however that the Toronto bike-lane is much smaller than ours, but I see the same problem - lanes used for parking or for pedestrians or signs, posters, roll-ups/downs, flags or a great place to smash beer bottles. There was one thing in particular that made me smile in recognition - pedistrians crossing a bike-line WITHOUT looking out. If travelling (I am old and worn out) at 20-25 km/h, I can certainly kill someone who steps out in front of me. People don't cross a road like that ...

[@undisclosed_eb]

This video makes me feel so relaxed for some reason. Séance Chaos.

[@alexdobrogost9503]

Man, in a car it's really hard to make a left turn into traffic sometimes without pulling up through the bike lane....not to mention dangerous without being able to see what you're about to turn into. I dunno why this guy's so arrogant that he can't slow down or go around cars without shouting something every time... I feel like your stress levels must be maxed out

[@StealthyDead]

Anywhere a bike lane is present, the dimensions of the road and clearances allow to see far enough without encroaching on the lane. Drive better.

[@HazardousMoose]

Leaving the bike lane to go around other traffic means you'll have to merge into a car lane. That can be dangerous if the drivers aren't paying attention, especially if they drive considerably faster than you. Plus it usually forces you to slow down. Which you might not mind much in a car, having the engine to the work. But on a bike constantly needing to slow down because others are obstructing your lane just isn't fun. I mean how to drivers react, when a car merging in front forces them to slow down? Sure he could be a bit more relaxed about it, but the grievance is understandable.

[@greyguy.960]

Has anyone opened a car door to you yet? As in leeds Britain they don't all the time. It's becoming Saver to ride in traffic than riding the cycle lane. Plus pedestrians into it all the time.

[@AmbachtAle]

If you can't pass in the bike lane, it is too narrow, I'd give it a D . For deadly.

[@martinkent333]

Ring that bell - oh yeah, big city slickers have illegal ear buds. Duhhhhhhhhhh

[@jasonarthurs3885]

Whenever the opportunity is forced upon me, I pass on the left when I sense a pending right hook. I'm thinking of sporting a tunic that reads "Pass behind me asshole!"

[@micha3lilluminati]

All the more reason I’m against bike lanes on or near major roadways even if they’re “protected “ motorist turning or coming onto the main roadways can’t see and have to block bike lanes in order to drive onto the streets… urban planners need to get rid of the bike lanes all together and create bike trails and bike paths so that cyclists can have there own complete space free from cars and other motor vehicles having bikes on the roadways is dangerous they can’t keep up with the vehicle traffic and you can’t see bikes half the time, I ride motorcycles and cars don’t see you on a motorcycle so they definitely will not see you on a bicycle

[@godlivinginhere]

no speed limit in the bicycle lane? seem so fast..........

[@divadstrebor1]

You seem to be causing more problems by swerving in and out and not caring for others who are slower than you but have every right to go at their own pace. You seem to a road rage cyclist.

[@benfsinger]

I don't think I was causing any problems at all. I am riding at my own pace, passing those who are slower if needed. How do you ride?

[@martinkent333]

@Giuliano Skywalker These cyclists wear ear buds and can't hear the bell warning of passing. Giuliano, do you stop at stop signs? Do you have time to chat?

[@TeddyFaceFiver]

This guys asking to be knocked off. Hows about taking your time and being patient instead of barging your way through like you own the place

[@carbonunit6573]

Welcome to Toronto. With hundreds of miles of bike lanes you will never have trouble finding a place to park.

[@bmw803]

Hundreds of miles of bike lanes that are 99% unused and useless, because not properly designed.

[@norwegianblue2017]

Not true. Here in San Diego they took one of the most popular streets for restaurants and shopping and removed all the parking and put in bike lanes that nobody uses. Businesses hated it because most people in the city are never going to go there again because they have nowhere to park. From where I live it would be nearly an hour and a half to get there by light rail and bus. It takes 16 minutes in my car. We will never have the population density that Amsterdam has and we are a much larger city. Toronto is nearly 4x the population of Amsterdam!

[@bmw803]

@@norwegianblue2017 That's exactly what I tell everyone. If you want people using bike lanes, they need to go somewhere. Its bits and pieces of bike lanes that arent connected.

[@PNH750]

The parking and cycle lanes don't leave any reasonable drop off places for taxi or disabled passengers. By solving one issue it has created another. Likewise I don't understand the aggressiveness towards pedestrians trying to cross these roads. For example, is a mother pushing a pram while holding onto other children supposed to be able to leap out of the way on oncoming cyclists. This video highlights what upsets many pedestrians. Cyclists riding through Red lights, across busy Zebra crossings and onto and along pavements.

[@benfsinger]

Hi there. I'm glad friends from the UK are seeing my video! I'm a bit confused though. I'm not sure where you saw me riding on "pavements" (we call them sidewalks). And by crossing "zebra" crosswalks, do you mean crossing them in perpendicular fashion like all road traffic must? I don't see how that's a problem as long as I yield to pedestrians who are crossing, which I do. Yes I pointed out an example or two of cyclists riding badly, but that was among dozens and dozens of cars cutting me off, parking in bike lanes and otherwise endangering me. So it's interesting what you focused on. Of course I wouldn't expect a mother pushing a pram to be able to jump out of the way, however I would expect her to be cautious when pushing her young children into the path of oncoming vehicles or bikes. What you see as "aggressiveness" I see as assertiveness. I'm not swearing at anyone (well, rarely) but I am letting them know I am coming. We all have a responsibility to keep our heads on straight, and walking blindly into a bike lane or roadway is not a wise idea. I have yet to hit anyone though, so I feel like I am doing all I can do to ride safely around pedestrians and more vulnerable road users. Thanks for your comment!

[@antiowarr9467]

My boss moved out of the city because of this reason BIKES and laid off 19 workers that didn't want to move, but at lease people in the next town got the jobs and they are more relaxed driving around now.... STRESS

[@alborzdmavandi8190]

I'm so sorry for Canada. Most things about a good Canada are not true, Including clean cities - beaches, and forests. It's a big lie. The first time I arrived in Vancouver in 2018, I was shocked. As soon as I left the airport door, I saw tissue, disposable glasses, and other garbage left in the city. The further I went, the more I saw them. Before I moved to Canada, I lived in Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, Serbia, The United States, and for a short time in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Netherland, Germany, and England, but I have never seen the amount of garbage that people leave in different Canadian cities. Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec are no less than Vancouver. Canadian and Canada Governments don't care about this tragedy. I think everything that says about Canada as a clean and powerful culture is not true. You don't need to travel to Canada to see this. Just watch some videos about walking in downtown Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec. You will find the truth. Impossible for you to walk in a Canadian city and you don't see the dark side of that. Everywhere you will see garbage. You will never see this in Europe, Australia, the United States, Japan, and Korea. This amount of waste is not even seen in Malaysian, Indonesian, or Thailand cities. It is impossible for you to use public transport and not see a lot of garbage at stations or on the route. You will be surprised to find a lot of garbage even in the woods - by the rivers and on the beaches in Canada. I wish the Canadians woke up and had no enmity with their country.

[@greyfreeman5537]

Bicyclists: more bike lanes pls Me: uses the traffic lane every time, all the time

[@norwegianblue2017]

We have some urban bike lanes in San Diego. Almost never see them being used. Here in San Diego we have these things called hills and there is this huge ball of fire in the sky that can get quite warm. A friend of mine tried to make bicycles his primary mode of transportation. When we would come over to visit he looked like he fell in a swimming pool he was so sweaty.

[@airops423]

e-bike!

[@viktorasandritsos573]

1:28 same thing happened to me today, almost got very seriously injured. This video shows exactly what I hate about the Toronto bike lanes. I think Yonge street should be converted into one big bike lane

[@falcoperegrinus82]

The sustain on that bike bell... you can go and have a bite and youll still be hearing that one

[@JustaGuy_Gaming]

To be fair you broke a lot of rules yourself and honestly most cars barely follow normal traffic laws. Most bike laws got passed so recently they weren't even on a driving test for most drivers. They just renew their license over and over again without taking a test. I think in the USA you only have to do it once every ten years or so.

[@johanwittens7712]

As someone who cycles daily in a bike friendly city, seeing the stunts this cyclist pulls with his bike are so cringe. He's not an advert for good biking "etiquette" as he uses the term himself. In fact lots of things he does would be illegal here in my country of Belgium, and the Netherlands bike heaven too for that matter, and would be viewed with serious criticism even by Dutch cyclists. 0:15 passing slower riders. If a bike lane isn't wide enough to pass, that's bad design. But even in the Netherlands you can still find those on occasion. And in that case, you stay behind the person and only overtake when there's a safe chance. But simply moving into aft approaching traffic is extremely dangerous, reckless, and annoying to drivers who already have limited visibility and cannot predict your movements since you're leaving the bike lane willy nilly when it suits you. And in my country and the Netherlands it would even be illegal since if there is a bike lane, you're obligated by law to stay in that bike lane, and are not allowed to leave it unless there's no other option because of for example a car blocking it. But swirving out of the bike lane into aft approaching traffic simply to pass someone you decided isn't moving fast enough to your liking is just as impacient, uncoutious, and annoying as a driver getting ticked off by a cyclist on "their" road, or a driver overtaking dangerously and recklessly because the car in front is judged to be moving too slow. It's a Big no no, and illegal here. If there's a slower rider, just chill FFS. It's not a race. 1:17 yes right hooks are dangerous but can be made better with protected intersections. It's seems this is something they haven't discovered in Toronto apparently... :). But in this case the driver was clearly waiting for the cyclist to pass, not even encroaching in the slightest on the bike lane. Making again a sudden manoeuvre to move into aft approaching traffic, is extremely reckless, dangerous, and annoying to drivers who again cannot predict your movements. Simply slow down a bit, approach with caution, and move past on the right FFS like you're supposed to. 1:28 Cutting it late is always extremely dangerous. As a cyclist you always need more time to cross an intersection than a car. As soon as you see orange, stop FFS. It's the law too by the way, and you HAVE to stop on yellow if it's safe to do so. Again taking risks for no good reason other than speeding through not wanting to stop or even slow down. No excuse for the car not letting the bike go through first though. He's oncoming traffic just like any other vehicle would be, so cyclist had priority. 2:30 Starting the "tricky" crossover before the crossover actually starts is not making it any safer for him as a cyclist, is again leaving the bike lane which is not allowed, and is moving into traffic, and is again making your movements as a cyclist extremely unpredictable for drivers around you. Again, just no. 4:07 Same as before. Yes it's a dangerous right hook, but driver was moving extremely slow and was clearly aware of the bike approaching. And even if he wasn't, would it pain the cyclist to slow down a bit to let the car turn first since the car might not have seen the bike in his blind spots? Seriously. Chill FFS. A commute is not a race. I'm sorry but to a Belgian who cycles every single day like me, or most Dutchies, this looks like a very impatient cyclist that has some legitimate gripes, but mostly does everything that drivers find so annoying and gives cyclists a bad name. I mean even I'd get annoyed as a cyclist myself, if I saw him speeding past me in the car lane on his race bike not bothering to stick to the cycle lane. If you have bike lanes, stay in them. Drivers need it to predict what a cyclist will do and where they'll be going. And again it's a commute, not a friggin' race. Slow down if you have to, don't race like a maniac all the time, and don't do extremely dangerous and unpredictable manoeuvres simply because you don't want to slow down even then slightest. 5:30 He's not riding safe. Not in the slightest. 5:18 Something else, but on my commute had a very similar construction site for months on end. But here a shared bike and car lane like that would be (and was) turned into a cycle street, with bright red paint, automatically lowering the max speed to 30km/h, shares teeth and priority signs for cars upon entering the lane giving priority to cyclists entering and then cycling there, and making it illegal for cars to overtake any cyclist on the entire lane. It greatly increases the feeling of safety for cyclists, and I never felt unsafe on a major construction site on a major artery road in my city, even though I was right in traffic.

[@skynet160]

Ok so I am a cyclist too. I ride my bike at 30km/h to go to work. You are saying that it's not allowed to cycle on the road. It's also not allowed to cycle that fast on the cycle lane. So what should I do? Slow down or use my car to be able to go to the maximum speed limit in town? Nonsense. As usual, all about cars!!!

[@3crowsfarm16]

You have been spoiled by good infrastructure. Good design encourages compliance. Bad design requires non compliance. You just don't get it because you are so used to good design. I've met plenty of Dutch and Belgians and love them all, but they don't follow rules any beter than the French (a low bar). They follow the bike rules because they are the easiest most logical way to go

[@drivemenuts3011]

I would have just remained on the road for 80% of the video. Every time you switch between lanes is dangerous. Just don't do it and stay on the road instead.

[@conradvancouver7276]

When a road hog is blocking you, don’t go to his stinky backside. Take your time and go slowly around the front where they can see you clearly and give them the stinky eye - whether you are a cyclist, and even better, a walker, on crutches, or in a wheelchair. Take your time.

[@heroslippy6666]

I'd rather not be road kill because people are oblivious to their surroundings when driving. If you are not in a car, then you are invisible.

[@SaltySeattleCyclist]

4:50 That's a nice bike* you've got there!

[@jekker1000]

glad to see the city where I live in is not the only one being extremely shitty planned and built. But the cars seem to bee much more calm than here. Where I live, they accelerate (even though there is a red light or a stop junction 100 m ahead) like crazy. Only at the last 5 m they do start to break. Oftentimes you can not see if this asshat in a car accelerating like a crazy horse on meth does not see you, wants to kill you or is emergency breaking hard before you so you might pass with an inch of space and a heart attack. I. Hate. It. Also car drivers passing you with 10 inches space to the left. How can a human being be so shitty?

[@johnbowles4754]

Looks more dangerous there than in East London, I was very lucky only one bad tangle with a hit and run driver, a few bones fractured but I Was still alive unlike so many other cyclists in my area who died.

[@benfsinger]

I've seen some pretty crazy videos from London, much busier and narrower roads, but perhaps more awareness of cyclists because there are more of them. I don't think London is a good role model for Toronto, but there are always things to learn from each other! Glad you lived to tell the tale. Safe riding!

[@martinkent333]

Lawless capitals like London and Toronto practice social negligence. It is like a fifth column.

[@paxundpeace9970]

London is really crap those two way systems are to narrow and then in a hard curb

[@timpope7274]

You display much anger. Try to relax and share with others. Then you may experience joy. All the best to you. Stay safe.

[@martinkent333]

Get-there-it -is, is a dangerous problem with Karens. Wiki, Dicky!

[@torink8229]

Your approach is more on the gentle side, I would have been much angrier and more assertive since the negligence i’m seeing is what is causing bike deaths. Good on you for calling em out.

[@two-sense]

Would you have made all those lane changes without ever signalling, just like him? Yes, negligence does cause bike deaths. It's your choice. If you want to break the rules of the road (when was the last time you saw a cyclist stop at a stop sign?) then, in an interaction between your 20lbs of aluminum and 2 tons of steel, you know who will die don't you?

[@tman695695]

the city easily had the ability to do 2 way bike lanes on both richmond and adelaide and fumbled that shit hard

[@kookoo275]

Thank you for the video. I bet if everyone who hates cyclists watched this video they'd understand why we do what we do

[@two-sense]

Why you constantly change lanes without signalling, you mean? Why you practically never stop at stop signs? Why every once in a while, one of you gets smeared all across the tarmac by some 2,000 car you decided to mess with?

[@freddiekb1004]

Do you think delivery drivers (and other workmen for that matter) are at fault when parking/stopping in the bike lane? Do you think they shouldn't?

[@axelnils]

The streber should be designed in such a way that it is more convenient NOT to stop in the bike lane. In the meantime, park on a side street or alleyway if there’s one within a a couple hundred feet or so.

[@hendman4083]

Just because you make deliveries, does not mean traffic laws don't apply to you.

[@freddiekb1004]

@@hendman4083 Fair response. What do you suppose delivery drivers should do in those situations?

[@ultrablue7018]

@@hendman4083 I've worked as a delivery driver in an urban environment it's very hard you need to meet certain standards of x amount of packets per hour and driving around finding a parking space wouldn't work. I know it might be annoying but being a delivery driver can be very tough. Often you literally don't have a choice. Urban city design needs to think more for delivery drivers it's just gonna be increasing drivers are not at fault. It's the company and city design

[@hendman4083]

@@ultrablue7018 It still doesn't mean traffic laws don't apply to you. You cannot pick what law is convenient for you, and what law isn't. When delivery drivers start breaking the law to meet their quotum, their employers will never get the message that the set goals are impossible to reach.

[@JWvanderLeest]

Compared with the bike lanes in the Netherlands yours are too narrow for a bicyclist taking over. I calculate 75 cm per bicyclist. And to ride comfortly a bicycle lane should be at least 2 meters.wide. That's almost as wide as a car lane which I estimate 2,5m . Please inform the city planners to reserve an entire car lane for bicyclists only and separate it from cars to reduce accidents.

[@jasomkovac9115]

Not sure bout taxes over there, but in the states property tax, gas tax, tax on purchase price goes to the infrastructure. Bikers had a shit fit when someone suggested taxing them. I'm sorry, but not interested in putting another lane in for bikes.

[@cyclinginberlin]

Thanks for that interesting video. It gives a good impression of your infrastructure.

[@neddyseagoon9601]

Stunning hypocrisy that cyclists complain that their dedicated road prevents them from overtaking slower road users. Just WTF do they think car drivers experience when they whip out of nowhere from a barriered cycle lane?

[@space_114v2]

The reality is there simply is not enough space on many T.O roads to accommodate bike / lanes and this vid illustrates this perfectly. Riding a bike downtown is just plain dumb epically with the piss poor level of driving aptitude that's out there . Have fun ride away until you get run over ...

[@fabioslopes]

Nice video! I hope to try Toronto's bike lanes one day with my fixed gear. Here in São Paulo-Brazil we have good and bad bike lanes infrastructure. It's depends the region of the city. However we have similar problemas with rude and unpolited drivers.

[@stinkyham9050]

Ya well, it's not exactly club med for us drivers either. Especially driving a large service van around Toronto.

[@neon_tom]

Glad to see I'm not the only one being frustrated by the Toronto bike lanes 😅

[@ericslade4374]

So is it ok for a car to pass another car in the cycle lane

[@benfsinger]

Not legally, no.

[@martinkent333]

Eric, do you stop at stop signs? Do you have a minute to chat?

[@marksousa8595]

I stop and I don't see any bikes coming I try to merge onto traffic I wait to merge but than bikes come they freak out . I'm more than happy to share the road. ( bloor and Clinton)

[@victorysgoodlife679]

If this guy thinks this is bad. Shit he won’t survive New York bicyclist 🚴‍♀️

[@benfsinger]

Hey, I'm that guy. I actually survived two years living and riding in NYC. Thanks for the vote of confidence though. Take care!

[@lukamarko978]

What... There are byke lanes in your country...?

[@moth.monster]

I ride a motor scooter. Legally, I'm supposed to ride in the bike lane. But it's just not safe to fight with car doors like that.

[@neddyseagoon9601]

So many incidents where other road users were already, for right or wrong, on the bit of road you wanted to use. Bohoo, they do it to me when I'm driving my car. Why must the entire road be clear for a cyclist goingmat the top end of his speed, but no one else? Anticipate and slow down. It's what everybody else has to do, why not you?

[@tthomas184]

I agree simply slowing down in a congested area, would solve many of his problems. A bit too much of an angry Cyclist. That said drivers should never be in a bike lane, with the rare exception of dropping off someone injured, or similar reasons. It makes biking even more dangerous then it is already. And comparing how cars treat other cars to how they treat bikes is oblivious to these dangers.

[@neddyseagoon9601]

@@tthomas184 many of the lanes were barriered. So cars couldn't have parked in any case. Perhaps like the UK, some cycle lanes there allow stopping for vehicles at some points. But he complained of slower cyclists and his immediate need to overtake was indeed similar to how many car drivers treat slower road users. Given his 15 or 20 mph weaving in and out of cycle lanes into live traffic lanes he really didn't give car drivers and when returning, errant pedestrians the opportunity to anticipate his actions. He can be reasonably assured that a car will stay in it's lane and not suddenly weave across the road at random. He must be because he couldn't safely change lanes without believing that. But in his case, what chance anyone, driver, cyclist and or pedestrian anticipating and reacting correctly, at intersections if hesduckjng and diving on approach? Yet, others here have commented that higher speed infrastructure for cyclists is required. Why? Why must a cyclist have infrastructure to achieve and maintain top speeds in a city, if other road users have to be limited and prevented from using their often (in city traffic), only similar speeds? Not every car driver in a city has popped out from his home a mile or two from work. Many might need to be in their car having already driven 200 miles to get there. So denying cars space and routes, on the grounds of encouraging walking and cycling is not really an argument unless locals are "targetted" or penalised first, if they use a car for short city journeys. We have universal ultra low emission zones that penalise everyone, regardless that heavy city traffic and pollution they endure as a visitor is mainly down to locals making short journeys.

[@tthomas184]

@@neddyseagoon9601 Obviously I'm referring to those places where cars can enter bike lanes, and not where they are prevented by barriers. BTW, unless there is a barrier to enter the lane at the beginning, cars will often park inside the lanes, blocking the entrance. I already said I agree he's going too fast for the area. Shouldn't have to restate that. The bit about car drivers already having traveled 200 miles is hardly the vast majority, it's a disingenuous argument Cars are one type of road user. They have plenty of routes already. Bikes, not so much.

[@neddyseagoon9601]

@@tthomas184 not disingenuous to point out that many city dwellers travel short journeys by car to the detriment of the air, cyclists, pedestrians and those buses that move 90 odd people instead of 90 odd cars, at a time. Look at city images you'll see branded vehicles aplenty some massive some car sized ... you don't really think those thousands of people travelling every day and maintaining the lifestyles and infrastructure are based in a city centre do you? They have often travelled very long distances just to deliver or repair something but in the UK, they are now financially penalised for driving there, as if they are the problem. Imagine how 1 million paper cups and the coffee etc gets daily into Greater London. That's if only 10% of folk there, have one a day. As for blocking entry to barriered lanes. Idiotic of course. But no more idiotic than slamming into a live traffic lane from a barriered lane on a bike. People don't expect it. They don't anticipate and react or plan for it. They are both forms of inconvenience and given the risks posed by the latter to cyclist and driver if they collide, no one should be doing it.

[@tthomas184]

@@neddyseagoon9601 don't know how many times I have to say that I agree with you on the cyclist. Original argument was about cars not branded trucks huge vehicles and the like. I responded to that. I will say that a lot of these really really large trucks 12 and 18 wheelers really have no business driving on a lot of the city streets such as in residential neighborhoods. they're much much too big for the streets and very dangerous. They also can barely make turns on many street, so tend to clog up the intersections leading to a lot of very annoyed drivers sitting there honking their horns and making life miserable for everyone.

[@Rose_Butterfly98]

I don't like closed bike lanes because it makes overtaking hard. We have only one bike lane in my country, and it's a road patrolled by police so very few incidents of people parking on them. Although I've had to go around at least one. There were others trying to get in and stop as well, but there was enough of a gap so I just squeezed through. Because I have extreme right of way in that scenario and if I slam into their open door I can easily sue enough to buy 10 of my biked.