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Sidewalk Biking on Orange Avenue - Liability for City?

It's Sunday morning just before noon and I just watched an adult riding his bike on the sidewalk in front of Starbucks run down a little girl. And the cyclist and his female companion, who was also riding her bike on the sidewalk, was absolutely indignant that the kid's parents would let their daughter unsupervised on the sidewalk.

Why is it the "I'm entitled" attitude has become so accepted and our local law enforcement turns a blind eye to this? Yeah, this is a quaint little place and riding bikes, skateboards and scooters along Orange seems inviting and harmless enough. And at some times of the day perhaps it is. But in spite of this, and having being born and raised here and now raising two kids here, I would NEVER consider this sort of behavior. It's rude, inconsiderate and potentially dangerous.

I predict it will not be long before this inattention and lack of proactive enforcement becomes a front-burner liability for the city.

Image courtesy of eCoronado.com.

Tags: community

6 members like this

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Comment by Jim Rohn on January 22, 2012 at 7:37pm: Karen Bland says it is ok to IGNORE the laws as long as you do it carefully ... really??? It is attitudes from people like her that think the laws are not intended for them that is the problem. They will be the same ones parking in a handicapped space because they will "only be a few minutes" ... ignorance and stupidity is no excuse. Why do you think there are traffic controls? Is it ok to ignore those if "you are careful?" ... of course not. You don't blame idiots for being idiots as long as they are "careful" ... REALLY???? unbelievable

I DO agree that perhaps something could be done to add bike lanes, but trying to negotiate the sidewalks of the shops while avoiding morons that won't follow the rules is inexcusable.

Comment by Shaina Frey on January 22, 2012 at 9:06pm: It really is true that when you point out to the bikers on the sidewalks that they shouldn't be biking there, they get very defensive and belligerent. I have seen police officers talk to bikers but usually they don't get a ticket; just like this evening I saw someone run a red light, get pulled over and NOT get a ticket. Come on...enforce the law you're sworn to uphold.

Comment by Chris Eckert on January 23, 2012 at 7:34am: Why don't they just stop allowing biking/skating/scooters on Orange? It is not safe to be in the street, especially in high traffic. The side streets will get you where you want to go.

Comment by Donna Alexander on January 23, 2012 at 8:20am: As a mom of 3 who frequently walks to the shops on Orange Avenue, it is obvious to me that bikes and skateboards do not mix safely with pedestrians. However, some non-locals may not realize that bikes are prohibited -- I have always wondered why the signage is so small and high up. The signage could be improved. And I do wish that the police would enforce this. I agree with an earlier post... if Orange Avenue is too dangerous for cyclists, then they can use other streets.

Comment by Pamela Saunders on January 23, 2012 at 8:25am: Thank you Dan for bringing this very troublesome problem to the light of day. It is a problem---how many times have we all seen someone quick step to the side to get out of the way of some biker or skateboarder? I know I have had to be quick on my feet a number of times. If the police aren't going to enforce the posted laws then take the signs down---and then wait for our summer visitors and summer residents to arrive! Oh my gosh--look out folks! Get off your bikes and walk them, it's still exercise. And stop crossing Orange when it is not your turn!

Comment by Agathe Lee on January 23, 2012 at 8:43am: Bicyclists wishing to enjoy the shops and restaurants of Orange have two choices: dangerous streets or illegal sidewalks. The rest of Coronado is pretty bike-friendly, but not that area. I agree that a bike lane would be nice...

Comment by Wendy Birnbaum on January 23, 2012 at 8:51am: A bike lane on orange would be excellent, but wondering, would there be room?

Comment by Pamela Saunders on January 23, 2012 at 8:56am: Here's an idea---if the police don't have the manpower to tackle this problem ( and even if they do?) we can help by thanking someone who gets off their bike to walk ! and we can tell those who continue to ride that they need to walk, to obey the posted signs--and then DON'T take it personally when these people are nasty--it seems to be a part of our human nature to want someone else to suffer from the problems we create.

Comment by Erin Grady Brown on January 23, 2012 at 9:13am: They do have a third choice... walk your darn bike! If you want to visit a shop or a restaurant on Orange, ride your bike as far as you can, then walk it the half block or less to your final destination. Take side streets until the end of the block where you need to go, and then walk it. One of the major reasons for riding a bike is exercise, so it shouldn't be a big deal to go an extra block or two further on your bike if you really want to lessen your walking time. While you're at it, pick up a copy of the DMV handbook, or read the laws and tips online: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/about/bicycle.htm.

Comment by Jim Rohn on January 23, 2012 at 9:24am: ^ ^ ^ ^

bingo!!!

actually taking responsibility for your own actions, what a novel idea ... :-)