apparently my city literally literally banned public rail funding, and people online love jerking off about how good biking is, so i figured might as well try. I have come up with:
pros:
good for mental health / exercise / endorphins
arguably quaint
feel like an old timey guy taking his wares to market
feel european
can annoy others
less of a police state around them vs cars
more flexible parking, routes
capacity to be peaceful
nice in summer
cons:
look like an annoying dork (esp w neon - which also hurts the quaint factor)
have to wear a helmet (^)
getting sweaty, potentially "unpresentable" for work
still have to find safe parking
still takes a while
have to find new routes to places
can't listen to music or might die
little meaningful protection against severe injury
I agree, everyone thinks cars, bikes, buses, and people all should follow the same line along the same corridor. Having bike lanes seperated more can be very benefecial and helps seperation without need for physical barriers. For example a road could run down the center of a commercial area, with a dedicated BRT lane, and bike/ped pnaes closer to the businesses or even a seperate enterance/laneway behind the businesses dedicated to people.
But most of North America thinks a painted bicycle gutter along a busy road, crossing many car intersections and entrances is the best we can build.