[SDCBC] Bike Path Reopens Two Years Late

[Tom Lettington]

So it took them two extra years to create a cyclist "challenge".  At 
least it is better than the detour it replaced.  Be careful out there!


At 08:27 PM 5/16/2008, you wrote:
>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
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