I kinda disagree, they are left in the middle or take up a third of shared paths like the Burke-Gilman all of the time. Maybe we just gave up complaining?
I kindly ask you to grab one of those bikes and do a few miles on the Burke. It's beautiful out, really hope you enjoy it.
I commute regularly on the Burke, it's wonderful. Cars are so much more of an issue on my commute. More bikes please!
Especially around UW, there are ALWAYS rental bikes in the way. Not always dangerously so, but adding to congestion.
I am trying hard not to be too old-man-crotchety about this, but the part where the business model of these companies depends on storing assets on the public right of way ... grinds my gears.