I am a member of a small group of community activists who are focused on encouraging safe bicycle riding and improving the attitudes of residents towards bicycle riders. Recently, I found an uplifting article in the UT about Encinitas regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety. I thought, “Look, there is another city in our area that’s wrestling with similar issues and solutions.” The article also caused me to think of many improvements I have noted in Coronado recently. I have noticed more young people riding with helmets and stopping at stop signs. I have noticed an increasing number of students using the bike lanes on Sixth Street. I have also noticed younger bike riders with lights on their bikes at night. This is a big item for me. I live in fear of someone getting hit at night who is riding a dark bike with dark clothes and no illumination.
Recently, I read with delight about the Safe Path to School program sponsored by our own CHS. They had their second meeting recently. Additionally, our Police have initiated incentives that educate and reward young people for doing the right thing when riding bicycles. I recommend visiting their web site at http://www.coronado.ca.us/department/division.php?structureid=185 to see the outstanding things our Police are doing. These include anti-theft suggestions, bike safety tips, commuting tips for bikes and tips for safe, courteous and fun bicycling.
Although the UT article about Encinitas dealt with more than bike riding, my sense is there is synergy among the residents who are working on solutions to safety for pedestrians and bike riders. Of course, bike riders have the added responsibility of being safe at all times in traffic and around pedestrians. The Police program and safe-bike education in the School will help. Bike riding in Coronado, with our wonderful weather and flat terrain, is undoubtedly going to increase. I am not a bike zealot on a holy mission. I am just someone who rides every day and enjoys the experience and health benefits. I strongly encourage everyone who rides, has kids who ride and are concerned about bike safety to thank our city leaders, the school and Police as they work hard to make our streets safe for everyone. With regard to traffic-calming and safety initiatives, our City has paid for a study to investigate the orange flag option and hawk lights. The City has also sent a long list of suggestions to CALTRANS and are awaiting their response. Let’s all hope for a quick and positive response from CALTRANS. I am hopeful too that, the combined effects of these efforts to calm traffic, improve safety conditions for pedestrians and bike riders in Coronado, will make Coronado a shining example for all residents and other cities around us.
Ivan Dunn
Resident, Coronado, CA
