[SDCBC] Gilman / I-5 interchange

[JonIsaacs at aol.com]

In a message dated 2/19/07 9:04:14 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
j.eldon at sbcglobal.net writes:

> Jon, thanks for reminding everyone of the extreme hazard posed by the 
> Gilman Dr. / I-5 interchange. The proper solution is to calm traffic and to square 
> the intersection, eliminating the high-speed diverge for cars transitioning 
> from s/b Gilman to s/b I-5. As you so aptly observe, simply positioning 
> oneself vehicularly and properly does not prevent some idiot from right-hooking 
> from the center divide. 
>  
> John E.
> 
----
John:

In my view, this interchange is a classic example of how Bicycle Lanes can be 
counterproductive, self defeating.  If there were no bicycle lane, then the 
would be room for a straight through lane and two right turn lanes for getting 
on I-5.  Cyclists take the left lane and all is well.

As it is, the presence of the Bike Lane means there is only one right turn 
lane to I-5 so many impatient motorists make the illegal right turn across the 
Bike Lane so the Bike Lane is not a safe place to ride.   It's a real Catch 22 
and the worst part is that the presence of the Bike Lane suggests that it is a 
safe place to ride.  One neighbor still rides in the bike lane in rush hour 
traffic even though he was hit by a car there.  :-(

Solutions:  

Five or more years ago, CalTrans told us at a UCSD Pedal Club meeting that 
they were working on a solution and that it would take about a year and a half.. 
 So far no action.  

Traffic calming is good, no bike lane is good, enforcement is good.  I think 
a 25mph speed limit on Gilman is a good start.  Maybe a stoplight is the right 
solution, it certainly calms traffic and could keep people from making that 
right turn.  

In the past I have brought the problem of motorists turning right across the 
Bike Lane to the attention of the SDPD and there has been some action. Once 
there were 5 motorcycle officers there, 1 pulling people over, 4 writing 
tickets.  Given the budget problems of the SDPD, it seems writing tickets at SB 
Gilman to SB I-5 would be a real money-maker.  4 officer writing tickets one right 
after the other is like pulling fish out of a net...

Anyway, I would like to see something happen with this interchange, if anyone 
from Cal Trans or the City is reading this, hey what's up? when is something 
going to happen?  

Jon Isaacs
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