[SDCBC] Union Tribune Today

[jwstump at cox.net]

JUST FIX IT
City adds signs at scene of bike crash

By Jeff Ristine
STAFF WRITER

December 10, 2007 



THE SITE: Carmel Country Road in Carmel Valley. 
 
THE PROBLEM: A Carmel Valley teenager was killed Oct. 31 when his bicycle slammed into a vehicle illegally parked in a Carmel Country Road bike lane. 

It happened on a steep, sharp curve near Sagamore Way, where vehicles ignoring the posted no-parking signs are difficult to see from a distance. Trucks were still stopping there the very next day. 

Beverly Beck Ellman, whose daughter attended Canyon Crest Academy with cyclist Nigel Clarke, wanted to do something to avert a future tragedy. Ellman thought red-zone paint on the curb would make the parking restrictions more obvious. 

“People don't realize how dangerous it is” to park there, she said. 




AdvertisementEllman got in touch with San Diego police last month and was promised they would step up enforcement, but her idea of an extended red zone wasn't getting any support. 
STATUS: San Diego's Transportation Engineering Design Division looked at the area after the accident to see what measures needed to be taken, said Deborah Van Wanseele, deputy director for traffic engineering. 

The city decided to install additional signs, Van Wanseele said, “so it's more crystal clear that you can't park there.” 

WHO'S RESPONSIBLE: Deborah Van Wanseele, who can be reached at (619) 533-3126 or at dvanwanseele at sandiego.gov. 

NEED A PROBLEM SOLVED: Is there a problem that government hasn't taken care of despite your complaints? Whether it's a missing bus bench or an unkempt park anywhere in San Diego County, Just Fix It might be able to help. 

Complaint forms are at justfixit.uniontrib.com, or call (800) 820-8714 to describe your problem. 



 »Next Story» 


 

---- Philip Erdelsky <pje at efgh.com> wrote: 

=============
The channelization of Forrester Creek in Santee (Thomas 1231 C7) has
resulted in a major improvement to the bike path running along its
southwest bank between Mission Gorge Road and Prospect Ave.

The part just north of Prospect Ave. used to be overgrown and
hard to find (http://www.efgh.com/bike/for4.jpg). Now it is
wide, smooth and easy to ride (http://www.efgh.com/bike/for5.jpg).

The loss of vegetation may not please some nature lovers, but
bicyclists passing through will appreciate the smooth surface.

The part south of Prospect Ave. is unchanged.

The Thomas Guide for this area is not up-to-date. Olive Lane now
continues south across the creek and meets Prospect Ave. at
Argent St. Via Zapador no longer crosses the creek, but there is
access to the path from the north end of Atlas View Dr.

Unfortunately, there are no curb cuts for the path on the north
side of Prospect Ave. or the south side of Mission Gorge Road, so
you can't ride the entire path without dismounting or hopping curbs.
Cross Prospect Ave. with care; the crossing is unmarked and unprotected.

-- Philip Erdelsky


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