I just wanted to say that I stand behind the city's implementation of an armored truck lane. I do my banking downtown and see those armored truck lanes used quite extensively. The armored truck lane provides a safe, close location for the transfer of money to and from the banks.
I do have a few complaints about the armored truck lanes, however. They need to be larger. It looks difficult for the armored truck drivers to park in a lane that is only two to three feet wide. They also should have been restricted to the front of banks. There was no need to extend them all through downtown, unless the city is planning on bringing in more banks. In fact, maybe that was the idea.
The armored truck lanes should be used by armored trucks only. A few times I have seen beverage or parcel delivery trucks using the armored truck lanes. They should instead use one of the two remaining traffic lanes, provided they turn on their hazard lights. While this will reduce traffic to one lane quite often, it's only right as they aren't allowed in the armored truck lane.
I have also observed one bicyclist in the armored truck lane during my time downtown in the last few months. This individual must have no regard for their safety. This lane is for armored trucks. I can't imagine trying to navigate around one of those things or any other delivery truck that illegally parks in the armored truck lane. Also, the armored truck lane intersects numerous streets and parking entrances and exits. While a motorist would be liable for any accident with a bicyclist, the bicyclist would no doubt come out on the wrong end physically. Motorists now have to see around parked cars, delivery trucks, and armored trucks, while navigating around pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists. It's an accident waiting to happen.
My advice to bicyclists is to stay in the traffic lanes where motorists can see you, rather than using the armored truck lane.
Frank Shepard
Chattanooga