[SDCBC] YouTube - SoCal Arterials and Lane Splitting videos

[John Eldon]

If a given Class I path goes where you need to go, connects safely and
conveniently with the rest of the road system, and is not clogged with
rollerbladers and dog-walkers, go for it!

Eastbound, I like the San Luis Rey river path in Oceanside, because it lets
me bypass a couple of free merges and diverges I find particularly
intimidating. However, I often prefer to ride the expressway shoulder going
westbound, because it is significantly faster and more direct.

I like the path parallel to Hwy 56, but some of its street crossings leave
much to be desired.

I like Rose Canyon, but getting on from Gilman across the mouth of the
southbound I-5 onramp is no picnic, and getting off onto Gilman is much more
awkward than it should be.

Paths are great, but we have only so many railroads and river fronts along
which we can put them. I personally think there really should be a bicycle
freeway system alongside our limited-access roads and bridges, since
transportation bicyclists often want to go the same places motorists do, but
I don't know how to fund it or obtain needed right-of-way in some spots.
  -----Original Message-----
  From: sdcbc-bounces at bikesandiego.org
[mailto:sdcbc-bounces at bikesandiego.org]On Behalf Of Eric Converse
  Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2008 1:27 PM
  To: sdcbc
  Subject: Re: [SDCBC] YouTube - SoCal Arterials and Lane Splitting videos


  I do understand the point of the videos.

  The real issue we are trying to address is how to provide facilities that
are both perceived as, and actually are safe for bicyclists, to increase
bicycle use.

  The videos are effective as instructional videos for those (including
myself) who ride in traffic every day.  However, using such a video as proof
to a non-rider that they can ride in traffic safely will not work.

  If, as rider, you are already willing to deal with the traffic (and risk)
then the videos can help you mitigate the danger to yourself, but a vast
number of people would never be willing to deal with the traffic in the
first place.

  It is my experience that bicyle riding, in traffic can be stressful,
however riding on a separated bicycle path is a pleasant experience that
will get people back on their bikes and out of cars.  See Bogota, Amsterdam,
NYC, etc...  This should be the issue!

  From the by-laws it states, "The purpose of the San Diego County Bicycle
Coalition (SDCBC) is to promote bicycling as a form of transportation and
recreation and to seek safer conditions for cycling countywide."

  If we really want to promote bicycling as a form of transportation then
bicycle paths are a proven way to do that.
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