It's good to see Raleigh extend the test period for bike lanes, but it's sad to realize the city has taken so long to encourage two-wheel and pedestrian traffic. It's likely too late for a real solution to the problem.
Raleigh's drivers are among the most hostile in the country to pedestrians and cyclists, according to a recent study. Until there's a way to dampen that rage, nothing will work.
A recent trip to Costa Rica's capital, San Jose, was eye-opening. There were few dedicated lanes but amazing cooperation among auto, two-wheel and pedestrian traffic. What looked like chaos succeeded because all drivers knew lanes and lights were guidelines only, courtesy being the driving force.
