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 ?
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Permalink Reply by Adam Williss on April 12, 2012 at 16:26 Until recently I always went the "correct" way despite noticing how most cyclists take that point. However, I always held my breath and crossed my fingers when crossing the vehicle uptrack next to the tunnel because I always felt vulnerable...
Then, about a month ago, the inevitable happened - I couldn't see or hear any traffic coming, I started going across the road, and then a vehicle roared around the corner just missing me. If I had taken off half a second later I reckon I'd still be digging bits of camry out of my backside. Since that day I exit further up as per the other "95%" of riders, but take extra care for on-coming cyclists by watching my speed and ensuring I am as far left as possible.
I'd like to add support for the proposed re-route!
Exactly the reason most people use the 'wrong' option. I would much rather take my chances with oncoming bikes who I can see and are looking in my direction than a car that I can't see who isn't looking for me at all. It's a danderous set up. There is plenty of room in the bike lane to make it 2 way and to add the missing 'down' arrow painted on the road. A sign directing cyclists onto the bike lane wouldn't go astray either.
Permalink Reply by Martin Turner on April 12, 2012 at 19:12 +1
Everytime I go up that piece of road I pass at least one motorcyclist treating the road like its a race track.
The same guy who designed this part of the track was on duty the day the exit at the bottom got designed.
Just an update on this. I emailed the DPTI at the time and have recieved a phone call this morning. The response was that they would improve the signage (I didn't clarify wether this was for bikes or cars) and would investigate implementing the commonly used entry point. 'Investigate' sounds like a standard response but we'll see what happens.
In my email I included a link to this post and interestingly the woman I spoke to had concluded from it that there was a 'balanced view'. I would say it was more 80/20.
Permalink Reply by heather on May 1, 2012 at 14:18 Contacting authorities can work. Let us know what happens.
I like AC forum for discussing some cycling hazards, prior to contacting the authority. Better than complaining ONLY to other cyclists.
Permalink Reply by Derek Hasel on May 1, 2012 at 14:27 Let us hope that a telephone call to the DPTI does not result in them waking a slab on cement across the exit gap that virtually everybody uses, and which is obviously the safest. You have rung a Government Department, you realise !
Permalink Reply by heather on May 1, 2012 at 14:33 Derek, Transport in DPTI is the authority responsible for this bikeway.
Permalink Reply by Derek Hasel on May 1, 2012 at 14:44 I am aware of that but sometimes it is better to let sleeping dogs, lie ! I am hopeful that the enquiry will be dealt with appropriately, like at the bottom of the pile :)
Not likely as I think it is someones driveway. However, based on their response I share your concerns that things may actually be made worse.
Permalink Reply by Tim B on May 1, 2012 at 14:40 Michael do you know who you spoke too in DoPTI ( her name) so we can follow it up?
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