[SDCBC] Gilman / I-5 interchange

[Kathy Keehan]

I agree with Gene on this one. The interchange is already pretty well
squared off. The 'Caltrans improvements' were mostly implemented (except the
installation of a stop light, which we're still waiting for.) Before the
bike lane was to the left of the right turn only lanes, it was to the right
of the right turn only lanes. They're making incremental progress.
You might be able to remove the bike lane all together, but I seriously
doubt you will be able to get the traffic down to 25 mph on that hill with
that amount of traffic and no side friction.
Kathy
  -----Original Message-----
  From: sdcbc-bounces at bikesandiego.org
[mailto:sdcbc-bounces at bikesandiego.org]On Behalf Of Gene Carman
  Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2007 8:31 AM
  To: JonIsaacs at aol.com; sdcbc at bikesandiego.org
  Subject: Re: [SDCBC] Gilman / I-5 interchange


  Because the real issue is not cyclists being in the wrong place, but
motorists violating the law and making a right turn from a straight thru
only lane, perhaps the solution is a series of those narrow vertical orange
"cones" to remind motorists that they are supposed to go straight.

  The cones would have to stop just short of the actual intersection, to
permit left turning motorists access to the ramp, but they would "force"
motorists turning right from the straight thru to stop before attempting  to
make a sharp turn.

  Otherwise only strict enforcement is the only answer...  any "paint only"
solution would be just as ignored as the line of motorists that are being
selfishly passed, that have properly queued up to make the on ramp.




  At 09:38 PM 2/19/2007, JonIsaacs at aol.com wrote:

    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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