Two Years and One Death Later, Caltrans Fails to Prioritize Safety on SR-56 Bike Path
Earlier this year on May 10th, Dr. Dan Valentine encountered a sight on the SR-56 bike path that made him realize that he had missed death by five minutes
In a letter he wrote to the Del Mar Times, Caltrans, and us Valentine stated the following:
I came across this scene while on a bike ride along the CA State 56 freeway during the evening rush hour commute on Friday. The car in the picture went off the road, through a fence and came to rest on the bike path that parallels the freeway. The accident happened about 5 minutes before I arrived on scene. The scary part is that my bike ride was delayed by about 5 minutes when I returned home to retrieve my cycling gloves. If we had met, I would have been hit head on (I took the picture after passing the car).
A few years ago, one cyclist was killed by a motorist running off the road and onto this same bike path. This tragic incident, hearing stories about other “near-misses” and seeing numerous holes in the fence over the years makes me think this path is nothing more than a bike lane on a freeway.
While the concept of a walk/jog/bike path along this East-West corridor is commendable, the design is severely flawed. Simply put, distracted drivers in speeding cars and cyclists do not mix. I ride the bike path about 3 times a week and more often during the summer. Seniors, parents and their young children; people of all ages enjoy this trail. I preferred the path because it appeared safer than the surface streets for riding my bike. I have serious doubts now.
Valentine contacted us wanting guidance on how to move forward and put pressure on Caltrans and we provided him with a visual designed by Copenhagenize Design to highlight world-class design guidelines on what sort of bicycle infrastructure ought to be designed based on speed limits and road design to accommodate all road users:
One of Caltrans' top Strategic goals is to "provide the safest transportation system in the nation for users and workers." In not providing San Diegans with a safe way to ride on the SR-56 bike path, they are failing in meeting one of their own goals. A more substantial barrier than a flimsy fence should be erected to ensure no more preventable deaths like Venuto's happens.
We contacted State Senator Marty Block whose district covers the SR-56 bike path to ask that his office take a lead on ensuring that Caltrans move on installing a more substantial barrier.
By May 21st, after some level of media attention, Valentine wrote to the Rancho Penasquitos Planning Board requesting that the Planning Board support his request to compel Caltrans to put in a sturdy guardrail to make the bike path safe.
Guardrail - It would be nice to install a guardrail along SR 56 where the Bike Path is close to the freeway. Four cars have left the freeway and ended up on the Bike Path since SR 56 opened. Nick Vento was killed in May 2011 in an extremely rare event, but users of this path expect a level of safety higher than they are getting. Class II riders throughout the City have different expectations.
Caltrans then responded as follows
As an alternative to metal beam guard railing, Caltrans plans to install concrete barrier along the edge of shoulder of EB SR-56 in areas where the bike path is less than 30 feet from the edge of traveled way. In these areas, the barrier will not be introducing a fixed object where there would otherwise be the standard minimum clear recovery zone for errant vehicles. Funding to design and construct the proposed project is anticipated for FY 2013/14 or FY 2014/15.
Valentine wrote back to Caltrans thanking them but urging them to make the improvements this year
I am pleased to learn of your response to a recent Rancho Penasquitos Planning Board request regarding bike path safety concerns along the SR 56 freeway. Your understanding of this serious public safety issue and the proposed remedy is admirable. However, given the serious risk to a significant number of cyclists, joggers, parents and children who utilize this bike path, it is requested that you make every effort to allocate funds in this fiscal year. In addition, I would request guidance on how the public provides input into the design and construction of the barrier along the path. Again, I applaud your sensitivity and your action to make the SR 56 bike path a safer and more user-friendly experience for everyone.
--
Valentine then followed up with Senator Block on May 20th stating:
Caltrans has not responded directly to my initial request and have publicly stated they cannot comment due to pending litigation related to the death of the cyclist Nick Venuto almost 2 years ago.
The Caltrans response I obtained was from a March 6th Rancho Penasquitos Planning Board request via e-mail to look into the possibility of installing a barrier along the SR 56 bike path. The request apparently was not through the formal meeting process (since I couldn’t locate the request and Caltrans’ comments in the meeting minutes). I e-mailed the RPQ Planning Board chairman on Monday night requesting a copy of the e-mail with the Caltrans response but have received no response as of yet.
My concern is that the pending litigation against Caltrans could severely or even permanently delay action to mitigate this very serious public safety issue. Any action on your part to help ensure that Caltrans will follow through on their stated commitment would be greatly appreciated. As well, I believe my request to move up the timeline to install a barrier along the path is not unreasonable.
Again, I thank you for your interest and support in remedying this problem."
We haven't heard anything further from Block's office.
Earlier last month Valentine wrote to his State Senator Mark Wyland and the Rancho Penasquitos Planning Board stating the following (emphasis by Valentine):
After reviewing the Caltrans response documents (included below) provided by Michael Lieberman, I have a few observations and follow-up comments:
SR 56 BP 2008-2011 Collisions Report
It is noted that four traffic collisions were documented in the report. Incident #4 dated 5-31-11 was the Nick Venuto fatal incident (including another person experiencing major injuries). The diagram and summary were deleted from the document (I suspect due to “pending litigation” or severity of the event). My hope is that no other incidents were omitted from this report.
Since June 2008, counting the 4 Caltrans documented events, 2 additional photographed incidents in June 2011 and March 2012 (see attached photos) and my recent event on May 10, 2013 (attached photo), the number of documented traffic collisions on this bike path totals seven events. This equates to one bike path breach every 8.6 months. At least 2 of the events (almost 30%) occurred during rush hour- 6:20 pm and 5:00pm; a time when freeway traffic and bike path usage are correspondingly high. As well, alcohol or fatigue were not factors in the collisions. Conclusion: It is not a matter of if another fence breach will occur but when, where and who will be affected.
The Caltrans proposal calls for a total of 733 feet of barrier to be installed along the entire bike path that extends some 10 miles. As best as I can determine, none of the seven documented collisions occurred in areas where the barriers are proposed to be installed. These events took place in areas where ice plant or shrubs are part of the landscape, doing nothing to stop the vehicles from reaching the path. Conclusion: Install barrier along all areas where there is a possibility of a bike path breach.
I believe it is imperative that every public agency/planning group do their part to ensure there is an expedient and adequate solution to this public safety issue. It is encouraging to know that Michael Lieberman (Representative Brain Maienschein’s office) has pledged to take the lead in communicating with Caltrans to ensure progress is being made to resolve this issue. Senator Marty Block’s office is also aware of developments relative to SR 56 bike path safety.
I would ask the Rancho Penasquitos Planning Board to lend vigorous support in getting this project to completion. I appreciate all your efforts to ensuring the safety of the SR 56 bike path.
Sincerely,
Dan Valentine
Yesterday evening, we had another similar incident that sadly resulted in injuries for the bicycle rider when a car flew off I-5 and onto Santa Fe Road.
Car flies off freeway, through fence & hits cyclist on street RT @BikeSD Car Hits Cyclist in Bay Ho http://t.co/XB22KO4e4u via @nbcsandiego
— Ted Rogers (@bikinginla) July 17, 2013
As of today, no changes have been implemented on the SR-56 - two years after Venuto's death. Who knows how long it will take for Caltrans to implement changes along Santa Fe Street that adjoins the I-5. Will it take a lawsuit or a death before safety improvements are made?
We know Caltrans management can direct quick action when needed. Last year, Caltrans moved with incredible swiftness to remove Nick Venuto's ghost bike. However when it comes to the safety of San Diego's bicycle riders - Caltrans remains unwilling to move or act.
We would like you to write to Caltrans and ask them to install a protective and permanent barrier to protect the vulnerable road users from the vehicle operators who continue to put riders in danger and their lives at risk along SR-56 and I-5.
Email Caltrans at ct.public.information.d11@dot.ca.gov and copy your state elected official in your correspondence.
SANDAG to work on connecting Rose Canyon Bike Path to Rose Creek Bike Path
This Wednesday I will be meeting with Chris Carterette who works at SANDAG in managing their Coastal Rail Trail project.The Coastal Rail Trail project is a proposed bike path (Class I) that will eventually connect downtown San Diego to the City of Del Mar.
Part of that long bike path includes a section that is missing right now between the Rose Creek Bike Path and the Rose Canyon Bike Path. We're looking for your input and your thoughts on improving the heavily used Santa Fe Street corridor. The Regional Bike Plan has a plan to connect the Rose Creek Bike Path with the Rose Canyon Bike Path. Considering the poor slurry seal job done on Santa Fe recently, and the fact that this cul-de-sac has a bit of truck traffic that cyclists have to contend with, a new and separated facility will certainly be a welcome addition to this busy bicycling corridor. The existing bike paths are marked in red and the proposed connection (in blue) could look like it does in the map below.
View Rose Canyon/Mission Bay Drive Connection in a larger map
In our vision map*, you left the following feedback with regards to this section:
On Rose Canyon Trail south end:
Two ideas here. There are probably many more:- Real bike lanes on Santa Fe (separate from parking)
- Improve connection to Mission Bay bike facilities, such as continuing the trail under Mission Bay Dr
On the Rose Creek Bike Path
entrance/exit to this is very steep and dangerous, requires sharp dangerous turn.... a tunnel can be built here.
On adding lights to Rose Creek Trail which ends at Damon Street/Mission Bay Drive:
This trail should have lights to make it safer when it is dark out.
Earlier this month, the crew who organized the Fix It Ride along this corridor sent in the following feedback which mainly revolved around maintenance issues, something the City of San Diego really needs to be more thorough on:
1. We trimmed the overhanging brush all along the north Rose Canyon bike path. There is one section that could use a trim but the type of plant was too much for our small hand tools. We need some gas powered hedge trimmers which none of us have...
2. More importantly, we trimmed all the branches growing out into the Gilman Drive bike lane (blind curve, 50 mph). That will definitely be appreciated by all the cyclists that use it. We got tons of thank you's from the hundred or so cyclists that passed us while we worked. Unfortunately none of them stopped to help... Maybe next time.3. We all agreed that Santa Fe could really use some share the road signs (plus sharrows) right before the bridge. That is the worst spot on the road. It really should have a lower speed limit too. 40 mph is unnecessary on a small dead end road. Especially when you factor in that it is a heavily used bike corridor. How could we go about getting the city to change these things?4. Santa Fe from Damon to Rose Canyon Bike Path is 40 mph. That is the section that cyclists use. The section from Damon to Balboa is 25 mph
5. Current Share the Road signage - There is one share the road sign located 50 ft from the dead end. The sign has graffitti on it so you can't read share the road. Not that any drivers actually see it anyway considering its placement...
Knowing that a bike path is being planned - how would you like to see it being built? A maintenance agreement and good lighting should be the bare minimum along with protective railings. Good quality transportation infrastructure should be inviting and well built. Please leave a comment here so they can be forwarded to the appropriate decision makers.
* the Vision Map has been closed to further input to prevent spammers. Please email talk@bikeSD.org with additional suggestions.
This was written by Sam Ollinger
Update on Santa Fe Street
According to Bike Coordinator Tom Landre, Valley Slurry Seal Company has postponed the remaining slurry seal from August 4th and 5th to August 11th and 12th.
Remaining Slurry Seal for Santa Fe Street Postponed
Earlier this month, a rider named Phillip Young spoke with a Valley Slurry Seal Company equipment operator on why the company was not resealing the bicycle lanes on Santa Fe Street to make them smoother. The employee responded that a City Street Division Supervisor instructed the Valley Slurry Seal Company crew to only reseal the roadway for cars. The Valley Slurry Seal Company crew was specifically told by the City Street Division Supervisor to not reseal the bicycle lanes. Valley Slurry Seal Company was originally planning to do the whole roadway including the bicycle paths until the City Street Division Supervisor stepped in.
After numerous complaints the City Bike Coordinator, Tom Landre, rode over to check out the work and sent word that the remaining slurry seal for Santa Fe would be completed by month end.
This morning Landre stated that the work has been postponed to August 4th and 5th as the contractor re-scheduled the work.
A reader who goes by Old Knotty Buoy sent in numerous photos (thank you!) showing the current sorry state of Santa Fe Street. So for another week this busy commuter and recreational corridor is going to look and feel extremely unpleasant to ride on alongside vehicles of all sizes moving at least at 40 mph. The photos that were sent in have been uploaded to Flickr and are also viewable in the map below by clicking on the yellow pins on the map, or the photos. The photo locations are approximate locations.
How are you dealing with the poor quality road surface?
Remaining Slurry Seal for Santa Fe Street will be Completed by Month-End
Councilmember Sherri Lightner in District 1 had asked for Santa Fe Street to be repaved back in November 2010.
The street was repaved recently but very poorly done which was immediately noticed by everyone riding the street. I received a series of emails and complaints about the poor quality of repaving that was recently completed on Santa Fe Street - the street that is a major thoroughfare for those heading up to UCSD and Torrey Pines. Here is one (of many) emails I received about this problem, this one from Forrest Roberts:
Santa Fe North of Balboa has recently been paved. It looked great, but when riding a bicycle on it, it was more like a total rumble strip. What happened? Bicyclers usually are delighted to ride on a newly paved road because it is smooth. Last week the City (or contractor) placed more material on the roadway to help with the roughness. It helped a lot. BUT they did not cover the bike lanes and they are still like a rumble strip all the way. What happened? Watching bicyclers now, they do not ride in the bike lane, but ride in the traffic lanes because it is rideable. This takes away the safety for the riders and detracts from the auto drivers when they see cyclers in the roadway. Would you pleas pass this on to the City Bicycle coordinator to find our what happened and can a fix be made.??? Or should we contact our City Councilperson in that area, Lori Zapf, or maybe even the Turko File. This is a heavy traveled Bicycle route, used by UCSD students, commuters, and recreational riders.
The City Bike Coordinator, Tom Landre, rode over to check out Santa Fe Street earlier this week and responded that the remaining slurry seal for the entire stretch of Santa Fe Street will be completed by 28th and 29th of July.
I haven't had the time to check out Santa Fe, but if you'd like to send in photos, please send them to sam@bikesd.org
Edit: I neglected to thank Alex Bell from Councilmember Lorie Zapf's office who was also responsive to some of the questions I had on Santa Fe. Santa Fe Street is part of District 6 represented by Councilmember Zapf' until December after which it will become part of District 2 represented by Councilmember Kevin Faulconer.