Over the past week I’ve read many blog comments and heard callers on yesterday’s Lars Larson show, (which BTA’s Karl Rohde was on) conflicted over the blind spot issue of trucks.

Oregon Trucking Association’s President Bob Russell told me yesterday that “you can hang all sorts of mirrors off trucks and they will still have blind spots.” He forwarded me information about the “No-Zone” campaign that warns roadway users of a truck’s blind spot… if you can’t see the truck driver’s face, then they can’t see you. In 2007, SB 108 passed.  It  will require most trucks in Oregon over 10,000 lbs. to install cross-view mirrors, but this will only help with visibility in front of trucks, not on the passenger blind spot. (SB 108 also clarifies passing distance of cyclists.)

I believe that bike boxes or advance-stop bars for bicyclists are an important solution. Oftentimes I (illegally) encroach in the crosswalk at stoplights. I do this so that motorists can see me, I do this so I can get out ahead of motorists, and I do this so I don’t have to inhale exhaust fumes.

Bike boxes would give cyclists a legal place to “idle” when waiting for a red light to turn green. Advanced stop bars are the same idea, but it might permit bicyclists to go a couple of feet into the crosswalk for safety’s sake or require motorists to stop prior to the crosswalk.

Bike boxes are an integral solution to making cycling downtown safer and more convenient. They will be part of the new bike-boulevard efforts (like on SE 39th and Clinton.)

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