Freeway Bike Path re-entry point
As far as I can tell almost everyone re-entering the bike path from the old highway just before Devils Elbow goes against the line markings and signage. The proper entry point is just before the freeway bridge / underpass but most riders enter further up the hill which is for entry to a property there.
A number of years ago I tried do it 'properly' and was almost hit by a car flying around through the underpass. It is clearly an unsafe option. So I was quite surprised recently to find that all the line markings have been freshly painted to reflect a design which doesn't seem to reflect how things do or should operate.
What does everyone else think ?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Matt Sandercock on -
I agree, I have gone the 'proper' way only a few times for that very reason, it is hard to see what is coming. Having said that I have never seen a car coming up through that section while I have been getting off, but they would be going quite quickly and wouldn't be expecting a bike to cross their path. On one occasion I saw what looked like a father and daughter coming down the proper way, the dad was a bit too far in front and the daughter didn't see which way he went and ended up turning left before the bike track and down the actual car up-track. Luckily there were no cars and the dad turned around to see where she was just at the right time. The signage is poor.
I always go through the gap further up the hill, much safer. Lately I have been going up in the dark and haven't descended it for a while so haven't noticed the fresh paint.
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Permalink Reply by David Southern on -
I agree that the exit point for bikes from the "old" road to the bike path is not good. As one who not infrequently drives there, I can say that the sight-lines for a motorist are not good, I for one always slow down and look out for cyclists, but others may not. DTEI (as it was then) did respond fairly quickly when I reported as a hazard a couple of large bushes that took out any sight-line for motorists until they were actually on the crossing, by removing the bushes.
While there is a road sign advising motorists of cyclists ahead, I suspect few notice it, let alone heed it. It seems much safer for cyclists to cross over further up, even if they are going "the wrong way".
Something I have noticed a couple of times further up from Devil's Elbow is cyclists riding down in the "up" motor traffic lane - most disconcerting for a driver.
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Permalink Reply by Brendan Clover on
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I came down the up car lane the first time I rode down.
I had never been in the area before and didn't realise I wasn't doing the right thing until I met a car coming up the other way, it got a bit interesting but all survived intact.
I think the lines indicating where the path go are a little bit clearer these days but it can be confusing for someone that has never ridden the track before.
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Permalink Reply by Richard Stevens on -
yeah me too!! The first time on that track i was coming down from lofty after riding up from Greenhill road way so I had no idea how it worked...signage very poor. Thankfully I worked it out quickish and without anyone coming up in a car.
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Permalink Reply by Dahondude on -
I've never used the "proper" exit. I always use that gap in the concrete barrier further up the hill.
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Permalink Reply by Mike W on -
Is this the bit you are referring to Michael where (almost) everyone follows the red line rather than the green line ?
(click on pic to enlarge)
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Permalink Reply by Jeremy Champion on -
Mike I think most (well I know I do) actually crossover just on the left hand edge of this picture. It is a much bigger opening and allows you to do it still at some speed.
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Permalink Reply by Dahondude on
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Yes this second photo shows the line that most people follow. A few new lines of paint and a sign post would make it all official. While they are at it they could:
1. send a street sweeper up the entire bike path/road edge
2. reseal the dodgy sections between Devils Elbow and the first 180 degree left hand bend as well as the section around koala corner where all the bitumen is delaminating.
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Permalink Reply by Tim B on -
Well, it seems i'm the only person who goes the right way, its really not that hard.
Was riding up there the other day, felt like a salmon swimming up stream with the group of people coming down going the wrong way and me having to dodge them all. Felt like i was the one in the way......
Its bad enough coming down the bike path with people weaving all over the place without having to watch out for people intentionally riding down the wrong side of the road
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Permalink Reply by Brian Jenkins (BJ) on -
I've always gone the required way. Agree with Tim. I've never had a car coming round the corner, but always do a standing stop to check before crossing.
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