Bicyclists can use a section of Highway 17, but it’s not wise: Roadshow
Q: I’m an avid cyclist. Driving over Highway 17 to San Jose through the wildlife tunnel project at Laurel Curve the other day, I noticed a “bike detour” sign. I can’t imagine any informed cyclist riding on 17. It may be legal, but it’s certainly ill-advised. Instead of giving cyclists a bad idea, perhaps Caltrans should prohibit, or at least discourage cycling from Scotts Valley to Bear Creek Road?
Doug Engfer, Santa Cruz
A: It is legal to bike on 17 for a short section near Lexington Reservoir, but I wouldn’t recommend it anywhere on this curvy, narrow road.
Q: Do you think people would slow down if there were signs on Highway 17 that flashed “Special speed enforcement zone – minimum speeding ticket $1,000”?
Bob Kromer, Chico
A: That would get the attention of many drivers.
Q: I have to disagree with Steve Rempel’s praise of the green paint on Foothill Expressway between San Antonio and El Monte. The problem is that the curb lane is a right-turn-only lane in both directions. Yet there is a bike lane to the right of the turn lane. This is a major no-no.
It is quite scary to try to ride a bike across a stream of right-turning traffic, and to have to wait for a gap in traffic in order to move into a position to safely continue straight on Foothill. The green paint is little help.
It would have been safer to start the bike lane to the left of the turn at the same place that the right turn lane starts.
Robert Cronin, Menlo Park
A: Back to Steve we go.
Q: He’s right. Designed properly from scratch, that’s how it should have been done. Even with the green paint, it requires some level of experience and expertise to negotiate it safely.
However, on the assumption that the county was unlikely to spend the money for a complete redesign, the green paint fix felt pretty good, mostly because of the awareness it gives motorists. I was thrilled that anything was done. Every little bit helps.
Steve Rempel, Palo Alto
A: Indeed it does. How do others feel? Do you like the green bike lanes?
Q: Gary, you were right. I was driving down Highway 101 near Palo Alto last week and on each side of the freeway, I saw a cop pull over a number of cars for carpool cheating, as you predicted would happen. Also, I noticed something I’d never seen before. A sign flashed the number of passengers that your flex transponder was reporting. Drivers be warned. The CHP is back handing out tickets!
Blair Askew, Campbell
A: Carpool cheats, you are duly warned.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow, or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.