[SDCBC] Bike Path Reopens Two Years Late

[Philip Erdelsky]

The East Ted Williams Bike Path, which runs from Azuaga St. to Sabre Springs
Parkway along the south side of Highway 56, reopened yesterday (May 15, 2008),
nearly two years after the planned completion date. It was closed while work
proceeded on the interchange between Highway 56 and Interstate 15.

It is not clear that the path will STAY open. Construction crews and
equipment are still about, and bike paths are often closed shortly after they
open while construction crews fix problems.

A slight problem at the west end of the path is a sign that apparently
forbids pedestrian traffic on the path:

    Photograph: http://www.efgh.com/bike/twe2.jpg

This must be a mistake. Pedestrians are allowed on other bike paths, there
is no such sign at the other end, and the path uses two pedestrian crosswalks,
with pedestrian-icon signals, where it crosses I-15 ramps.

Bicyclists face the usual hazards from right-turning vehicles at the ramps.
The ramp on the east side is especially wide because it is two-way -- it
handles traffic entering and leaving northbound I-15.

The east end is designed very well for motorists and very poorly for
bicyclists.

    Photograph:  http://www.efgh.com/bike/twe3.jpg

There is no crosswalk right at the end of the path. In fact, a landscaped
median blocks the way. Bicyclists who want to cross Sabre Springs Parkway
to go north or to continue east on Ted Williams Parkway must first cross
the exit ramp from eastbound Ted Williams Parkway and then cross
Sabre Springs Parkway on the north side of the intersection. I'm sure
the engineer who designed this intersection had his or her reasons, but
bicycles (and pedestrians) obviously weren't among them.

Eastbound bicyclists might avoid these maneuvers by leaving the path
and riding on the exit ramp, joining the appropriate lane to turn left
or go straight ahead into the entrance ramp on the other side. No signs
forbid this, and it is probably legal because this part of the road
tecnhically isn't a freeway. However, it would be quite dangerous unless
automobile traffic is light.

Bicyclists going west on Ted Williams Parkway are required to exit at
Sabre Springs Pkwy/Rancho Carmel Dr, turn left at the end of the ramp,
pass under Ted Williams Parkway and turn right into the path.

-- Philip Erdelsky