[SDCBC] bike paths

[Jim Baross]

From: Trevor Bourget <trevorspoke at cox.net> who quoted -
At 08:31 PM 2/13/2007, Jim Baross wrote:
 >True, there are many bike lanes, but there are very few dedicated
 >bicycle paths.

I didn't write that at all, and certainly not to show over-riding (no 
pun) support of bike paths. I only forwarded the article. I posted 
the article for everyone's info, not in support of it. I probably 
should have commented more. Here's more.

I and the Coalition have a careful but not simple approach to the 
unfortunately wide spread belief that "The safest and best approach 
would be to build dedicated bike paths." SDCBC has a couple 
position/policies re: bike paths; one that was developed after much 
wrangling with a former board member who probably continues to think 
that bicycling in/with motor vehicle traffic can never be as safe and 
useful as travel on a bike path. :-(

This from http://www.sdcbc.org/Whatwestandfor.html "What we stand for" -

6. Regarding Bikeways (Paths and Lanes):
a. advocates using standards for design and development that protect 
the rights of lawful cyclists and that discourages cycling that does 
not conform to the normal rules of the road.
b. recommends routes that shorten trip times without increasing 
hazards, and recreational bicycle paths that provide a protected 
environment for such activities.

And, -
                                      SAN DIEGO COUNTY BICYCLE COALITION'S
                               BIKEWAY FACILITIES POLICY  -  Adopted 
May 2, 1991

1.   The Bicycle Coalition has adopted the following policy from the 
Caltrans Highway   Design Manual, Section 1000, regarding bikeway 
facilities, particularly the following statements:
a.   "It is emphasized that the designation of bikeways as Class I, 
II, and III should not be construed as a hierarchy of bikeways; that 
one is better than the other. Each class of bikeway has its 
appropriate application.
    In selecting the proper facility, an overriding concern is to 
assure that the proposed facility will not encourage or require 
bicyclists or motorists to operate in a manner that is inconsistent 
with the rules of the road.  An important consideration in selecting 
the type of facility is continuity.
     Alternating segments of Class I and Class II (or Class III) 
bikeways along a route are generally incompatible, as street 
crossings by bicyclists are required when the route changes 
character.  Also, wrong way bicycle travel will occur on the street 
beyond the ends of bike paths because of the inconvenience of having 
to cross the street."
b.   "The decision to develop bikeways should be made with the 
knowledge that bikeways are not the solution to all bicycle related 
problems.  Many of the common problems are related to improper 
bicyclist and motorist behavior and can only be corrected through 
effective education and enforcement programs. The development of well 
conceived bikeways can have a positive effect on bicyclist and 
motorist behavior.  Conversely, poorly conceived bikeways can be 
counterproductive to education and enforcement programs."
2.   Support of bicycle paths by the Coalition is essential to 
attract more support of bicycling in general by the public.
3.   The presence of a bicycle path is not a substitute for on street 
bicycle facilities and access.
4.   When speaking for the Bicycle Coalition or representing the 
position of the Coalition, members shall not publicly denigrate the 
general concept of any of the three categories of bikeway 
facilities.  This is especially true when talking to the news media.
5.   The Coalition will not adopt a formula to determine which 
bikeway projects it will recommend be funded.  Rather, project 
recommendations will be made on a case by case basis.
6.   Volunteer efforts will determine the level of support that the 
Coalition will furnish for individual bikeway projects (e.g. if a 
majority of members want to work on mountain bike issues first, then 
that is how the Coalition will prioritize its efforts).
7.   Coalition members will serve as bicycle ambassadors; as such, we 
will conduct ourselves in a manner that inspires respect for 
bicycling in general.

Jim (integrated bicyclist) Baross