When driving alongside a bike lane, it is hard to escape comments like “it’s always empty,” “it takes away space from cars,” or “businesses lose customers.” But is there any truth to these claims? Here are some of the most common myths about bike lanes – and the reality behind them.
They worsen traffic
This is perhaps the most common myth, as it seems logical that removing a lane for motor vehicles would increase congestion. However, this is where the concept of induced demand comes into play: more road capacity attracts more cars—and the reverse is also true. Furthermore, when bike lanes are available, more people tend to swap their cars for bicycles. In some cities, vehicular traffic has actually increased because there are more ride-hailing and delivery vehicles on the road. Ultimately, it is always worth remembering that cars are what cause traffic congestion.
