BEACH PATH REVIEW

RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON A RIDE ALONG THE BEACH PATH FROM BEACH BLVD TO SEAPOINT.

On Thursday, May 17^th, I took a little tour down our Huntington Beach multiuse beach path with a couple of other bicycle advocates.  We noticed several things that need fixing.  Below are my recommendations for improved safety for all users, both pedestrians, bicyclists, handicapped, elderly etc.  What are your thoughts on this subject?

1)    For improved safety for all users, Center stripe the entire HB beach path (south of the pier) and side stripe 100% of the path.

2)    For improved safety, stencil a “stop” in the asphalt in all entrance/exits for pedestrians/bicyclists to and from the path from parking lots.

3)    For improved safety, widen the beach path from the current minimum 8’ to 12’ to better accommodate the heavy weekend summertime users: bicyclists, walkers with dogs and baby carriages, roller bladers, skateboarders and peddle carts and handicapped walkers.

4)    For improved safety, minimize landscaped water from pooling on the path by lowering the grade of the grass abutting the path to allow for drainage. Pooling makes many riders and walkers detour into the opposite lane of traffic.

5)    For improved safety, add ‘missing’ berms adjacent to existing asphalt/ wooden berms to prevent erosion of sand onto the path. Like pooling, sand/debris makes many users cross into oncoming traffic.

6)    For improved safety of all users, widen the constricted ‘S’ turns on the path and stripe to better accommodate the heavy flow of weekend users

7)    Install straight stairway next to ADA ramp at intersection of Seapoint and the beach path to minimize walkers and surfers from using steep trail that is a source of heavy erosion of sand on the path.

8)    Stencil yield signs in lieu of stop stencils, where appropriate, at select intersections of the path.

Daniel Hazard,  Huntington Beach Bicycle Advocates

HuBBA SPOTLIGHT: John Archer, Bicycle Commuter

HuBBA member John Archer is a dedicated bicycle commuter who peddles between 22 and 27 miles- depending on the route-one way from his home in Huntington Beach to the ARCO plant in Carson.  John started riding to work one way in 2009 (he carpooled the other way) and has increased to twice weekly, round trips.

John is a prudent rider. Since his morning rides begin in darkness he uses a variety of safety features including: front white light on strobe mode, rear red light on strobe mode, helmet forward mounted white light to illuminate the street, MAXSA innovations 20026 yellow reflective safety Vest with 16 LED light in flash mode, Plant Bike BRT Strap multi-use LED bicycle safety light worn just below the left knee) and reflective tape on the heels of his bike shoes. Also, he dons a properly fitted helmet with an attached rear-view mirror.  John must be a man that cannot be missed!

John is a recreational rider that bicycles for exercise, weight loss, and the added bonuses of stress reduction/mood enhancement. Recently, he upgraded to a lighter, more responsive used bicycle that is more enjoyable and easier to peddle. Another useful gadget, the GPS on his smart phone, is available at endomomdo.com .  John states “it is fun and helps motivates me plus it measures my average speed among several statistics”.

Keep up the good work John and fellow HuBBA commuters!

Readers: HuBBA supports the National Safe Routes to School programs for both bicyclists and pedestrians. Parents, send us a story (maximum 275 words) about you and/or your child walking or bicycling to school. The story can be either a good or bad experience.

Dan Hazard