[SDCBC] OB Bike Path Eastward Extension

[Philip Erdelsky]

To:           SDCBC Mailing List
Subject:      Ocean Beach Bike Path Eastward Extension
From:         Philip J. Erdelsky <pje at efgh.com>
Date:         05-02-2008

The extension of the Ocean Beach Bike Path from Pacific Highway to Sefton Park 
has been under construction. It seems that the recent groundbreaking ceremony 
wasn't a mere formality.

Most of the grading has been done, and some of the pavement is already in place.

Mountain bikers will find the path passable between Pacific Highway and the 
west side of Morena Blvd., and between Sefton Park and the west side of Morena 
Blvd. (although the passage under the ramp from eastbound I-8 is kind of 
tight). The passage under Morena Blvd. has not been graded and will require 
some serious bushwhacking.

Work on the path may have been suspended for the season. I didn't see any work 
being done on April 29 or May 2.

Is the path really open? Not really, but it isn't exactly closed, either. A 
few signs are up, and none mentions restricted access. There is no tape and no 
other barriers. Graded but unpaved parts show bicycle tire tracks.

Photographs:

      West of Morena Blvd.: http://www.efghmaps.com/temp/35739.jpg

      Sefton Park: http://www.efghmaps.com/temp/35759.jpg

      Surface (with bike for scale): http://www.efghmaps.com/temp/35760.jpg

      West side of Sefton Park (site of groundbreaking): 
http://www.efghmaps.com/temp/35762.jpg

Old-timers may remember an exploratory SDCBC ride that Jim Baross led along an 
unpaved path from Sefton Park to a point near Morena Blvd. The new path does 
not follow this route. It veers south and runs very close to Interstate 8, 
allowing Caltrans to get a finger in the pie.

-- Philip Erdelsky