The problem exists there in the space, independent of whether you personally experience it as a problem. The system was designed a certain way, and it’s not functioning as intended. Most cyclists are probably fine to cycle around it, but there’s still a problem there, and it would be wise to address it.

It’s not just about how much space there is. Cycle lanes are important because having a clear delineation of what spaces are intended for what road users is a key part of how cycle lanes improve safety and efficiency in cities. As it stands, the cycle lane is not functioning as it should.

Potholes in roads aren’t a huge deal for most drivers — it’s usually possible to navigate around them without much effort, and even if you do hit them, it usually doesn’t cause any damage. We still strive to fill in potholes though, because we acknowledge that a road isn’t meant to have them, and that keeping roads in good repair is a crucial part of making the system work.