EGN NEWS DESK
Q. Dear Honk: Here within the San Fernando Valley a few of our main boulevards have been not too long ago re-striped with the far-right lane now a devoted, mixed bus and bicycle lane. I’ve but to see a single bicycle in these lanes. But suppose a bicyclist claims his or her rightful place in a single, are the planners envisioning that the bus will slowly and thoroughly, and at a protected distance, drive behind the bicycle for no matter distance the bicyclist rides in that lane? If the bicyclist had been to journey for a mile at 10 mph, would the bus merely comply with behind, whatever the bus schedule? I can’t assist however really feel that that is one other instance of an idealistic metropolis planner. If it’s I who’s lacking one thing, Honk, please enlighten me!
– Robert Rakauskas, Winnetka
A. Honk’s referee uniform is on the cleaner’s, so he gained’t decide a aspect however somewhat lay out Los Angeles officers’ ideas and allow you to, Robert, and different readers resolve what’s finest.
Some different cities have shared bus-bike lanes, as nicely. Such lanes are a compromise.
“In applicable situations, bus-bike lanes are an choice on streets the place devoted bus and separate, high-comfort bicycle amenities can’t be supplied,” explains the National Association of City Transportation Officials’ web site.
“Shared bus-bike lanes can accommodate each modes at low speeds … the place buses are discouraged from passing, and bicyclists go buses solely at stops,” the group says.
Generally, the lanes ought to be reserved for buses working at 20 mph or much less, with buses coming by not more than each 4 minutes, the affiliation figures.
Colin Sweeney, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, stated a bus coming upon a bicyclist may slide into the subsequent lane to go if want be.
In Los Angeles, some lanes function as bus lanes simply throughout peak hours. In some stretches, buses and bikes every have their very own unique lane, adjoining to at least one one other.
California regulation, Sweeney stated, says bicyclists generally should roll alongside to the far proper of streets if not going the identical velocity as visitors.
“Barring bicyclists from bus lanes the place there are not any adjoining bike lanes would power bicyclists to journey within the center or left lanes,” he stated, including it’s safer to have buses and bikes share.
Expect to see extra bus and shared lanes – particularly main as much as the Olympics in 4 years.
Q. I’ve observed that 90% of Teslas should not have a entrance license plate. Have they modified the regulation relating to entrance plates? Years again, I acquired a warning from a sheriff’s deputy for not having one. Do Teslas have an exemption?
– Dave Astrachan, Thousand Oaks
A. No.
If drilling holes into the fashionable bumper isn’t an proprietor’s factor, there are kits obtainable to connect the plates.
To ask Honk questions, attain him at [email protected]. He solely solutions these which can be printed. To see Honk on-line: ocregister.com/tag/honk. Twitter: @OCRegisterHonk
