KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN – You may have noticed a new bike lane on Bo-ai 1st Road in Kaohsiung. Roadside parking spaces have moved outward, and a dedicated bicycle lane runs between parked cars and the sidewalk. Some love this idea as it means cyclists no longer need to use the uneven sidewalks and are protected from traffic by a line of parked cars or motorcycles (see pics). This new traffic design is aimed at enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety, and one cyclist told AmCham Kaohsiung News that the new design is “awesome!” Others aren’t quite as pleased. A debate is brewing as some are raising concerns about the lack of a buffer zone between the new bike lane and the relocated parking spaces. The KH Transportation Bureau said the ultimate goal is a continuous, protected bike path that connects the Kaohsiung Railway Station area to the “Heart of Love River” area (which is near the Light Rail Station of the same name on the corner of Da Shun and Bo Ai Roads.)
The Facebook page “Kaohsiung Better Days” (高雄好過日) has pointed out a potential design flaw, noting that internationally recognized protected bike lanes typically incorporate a buffer zone between parking spaces and the cycle path that acts as a safety margin and provides space for car doors to open without directly obstructing or endangering cyclists. Online users said a car door opening into the current configuration could easily cause an accident with a cyclist. Fans of the design say people in cars need to open doors carefully, and that accidents where motorcycles hit car doors are common due to careless door openings. The Kaohsiung Transportation Bureau responded, saying they are listening to concerns and will monitor the effectiveness and safety of the new bike lanes as the project expands towards its goal of connecting the Kaohsiung Railway Station and the Love River. Let us know what you think of the new lanes by commenting on FB or other AmCham social media.
Text and topic pic via AmCham Kaohsiung English News
