Bike-hostile

Describing an environment, infrastructure, or attitude that discourages or endangers bicycle use. This encompasses features like a lack of dedicated bike lanes, dangerous road designs, inadequate bike parking, and aggressive driving behavior towards cyclists. It can also refer to policies or regulations that favor motor vehicles over bicycles, making cycling inconvenient or unsafe. The overall effect is to make cycling a less attractive or even prohibitive form of transportation and recreation. The term highlights the systematic barriers to cycling, often stemming from urban planning choices that prioritize cars.

Bike-hostile meaning with examples

• The downtown area is unfortunately quite bike-hostile. Narrow streets, heavy traffic, and the absence of bike lanes make it a risky and unpleasant experience to cycle through. The city's infrastructure clearly prioritizes cars, making the area feel unwelcoming for anyone on two wheels. This discourages even experienced cyclists from attempting to commute or enjoy leisure rides in that zone.
• Many suburban developments inadvertently become bike-hostile environments. The sprawling layouts, long distances between destinations, and lack of sidewalks or bike paths make cycling impractical and often dangerous. Residents become almost entirely dependent on cars for transportation, limiting opportunities for exercise and contributing to environmental concerns.
• The city council's decision to eliminate the protected bike lanes was a bike-hostile move that faced severe backlash. Cyclists and cycling advocates were upset about the change, saying it increased the risk of cycling and sending a strong message that the local government does not care about cyclists safety. The removal directly made cycling less safe.
• A cultural climate that disregards cyclists often characterizes bike-hostile environments. This might be through motorists treating cyclists with disrespect, an absence of public awareness campaigns about cyclist safety, or a failure to enforce traffic laws fairly for all road users. The lack of consideration creates a sense of vulnerability for those who choose to cycle.