Advocacy & Safety - "Bikes Only" path full of non-bikers - is this common?

I took my very first bike ride down an OFFICIAL bike trail today - from Playa Del Rey (CA) down through Dockweiler State Beach (did about 5 miles each way).

If you were there, that was me, pedaling nervously but proudly on my Schwinn Hinge Folding Bike, doing my best to keep out of your way! :lol:

Had an enjoyable ride and would go there again - HOWEVER, there was one big problem - I was on a path that was clearly marked (like every few feet!) "Bikes Only!" - yet I kept having to dodge skaters, joggers, and baby carriages the whole way.

I found myself getting rather curmudgeonly towards the end of my ride, after having to maneuver through a few of these non-wheeled roadblocks - my bike skills got a major upgrade today, I must say! :D - because, you know, to me, "Bikes Only" means - Bikes Only!

But to be fair to the pedestrians, I also noticed a lot of bikers were using the walking/jogging path just a few feet away. So there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of respect on either side.

Not sure if this is anything anyone can really do anything about - just wanted to "vent" a bit and also ask: is this normal? Should I just expect all the bike trails to be filled with baby carriages and plan accordingly? Or are some better than others - and if so, where are they (in Southern California)?

Thanks for your thoughts!:)

I can't tell you how many times I say "bike lane, please" down at our local boardwalk.

I tried that, but everyone out today had headphones/earphones and didn't hear me (or at least pretended not to!).

Try early morning weekday rides. The LA beach paths are usually OK then.

stoogeswoman,

I don't know about your area, but here in St. Pete I've lost count of the number of times that I've encountered pedestrians either walking dogs or pushing baby strollers, or rollerblading on the bicycle side of the Pinellas Trail. Not too long ago when I was on the trail even though it is clearly marked that all dogs must be on a leash (it's even a city and possibly a state law) no longer then 6'. I came across a woman walking her dog without a leash, to be "fair" to her she did have a leash in her hand. But I think that it was one of those "stupid" retractable leashes, also fortunately I think (if I remember correctly) that she had a relatively small breed dog. But even so, how can anyone exercise any amount of control over there dog with one of those retractable leashes?


If they run, particularly if they're a medium to large breed dog isn't there a good chance of them stripping the gears? Or even stripping the gears if they (the owner) has to really pull back on the leash to pull the dog back and away from whatever.

I took my very first bike ride down an OFFICIAL bike trail today - from Playa Del Rey (CA) down through Dockweiler State Beach (did about 5 miles each way).

If you were there, that was me, pedaling nervously but proudly on my Schwinn Hinge Folding Bike, doing my best to keep out of your way! :lol:

Had an enjoyable ride and would go there again - HOWEVER, there was one big problem - I was on a path that was clearly marked (like every few feet!) "Bikes Only!" - yet I kept having to dodge skaters, joggers, and baby carriages the whole way.

I found myself getting rather curmudgeonly towards the end of my ride, after having to maneuver through a few of these non-wheeled roadblocks - my bike skills got a major upgrade today, I must say! :D - because, you know, to me, "Bikes Only" means - Bikes Only!

But to be fair to the pedestrians, I also noticed a lot of bikers were using the walking/jogging path just a few feet away. So there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of respect on either side.

Not sure if this is anything anyone can really do anything about - just wanted to "vent" a bit and also ask: is this normal? Should I just expect all the bike trails to be filled with baby carriages and plan accordingly? Or are some better than others - and if so, where are they (in Southern California)?

Thanks for your thoughts!:)

You can go the whole length of that bikepath and if it is after 10:00 just about the only area without pedestrians will be when it hits the street. Even there you will get skaters, but to be fair the skaters who do the road are usually good enough that they are less bother than many bikes.

If you feel adventurous take the path all the way to the South end and lok for the ramp going straight up. Take it (likely walk your bike up) and then turn right exiting the parking lot. Follow that road to the 'top' and turn right on the major road. For a path rider that road will be intimidating, but there is a bike/pedestrian walk on hte right just before it would seem like you are on a freeway interchange. When that ends continue straight/right. Follow the other bikes going up the hill. The hill does end and the views are worth it.

There's a bike path near my house with a similar issue. The footpath next to it is cobbled so all the young mothers go for a stroll with the baby carriage on the bike path because the bike path is smooth. What happens when I come around the bend? I get angry mothers hissing at me to be more careful.
I'm also a BMXer. Do you know how many people bring their kids to the skatepark to LEARN how to ride a bike? In the middle of the skatepark?
"Excuse me sir, my son is still getting used to the skatepark could you please be careful around him?" "No, it's my day off and I'm going to ride the piss out of this skatepark."

I tried that, but everyone out today had headphones/earphones and didn't hear me (or at least pretended not to!).

163089

I second Spooner. Get an Airzound. Do a google search and buy an Airzound and just blast it whenever there is a non-biker on the path. The only way to get them off is to educate them and let them know that its a big deal.

163089


I second Spooner. Get an Airzound. Do a google search and buy an Airzound and just blast it whenever there is a non-biker on the path. The only way to get them off is to educate them and let them know that its a big deal.


you guys don't quite understand how packed these paths become and no one cares to move

you guys don't quite understand how packed these paths become and no one cares to move

http://stores.biketac.com/-strse-12/Bicycle-bike-horn-blaster/Detail.bok Strap a 12V SLA battery to the rack so you can lay on it longer than 9Vs will last. When the alternative is continuing pain, they'll move.

There's a bike path near my house with a similar issue. The footpath next to it is cobbled so all the young mothers go for a stroll with the baby carriage on the bike path because the bike path is smooth. What happens when I come around the bend? I get angry mothers hissing at me to be more careful.

I think that that is kind of the same reason that pedestrians on the Pinellas Trial walk on the bicycle side of the trail as well. It's marked out as being wider then the pedestrians side of the trail. The person who was pushing stroller took up nearly the whole bicycle side of the trail with their stroller.


I'm also a BMXer. Do you know how many people bring their kids to the skatepark to LEARN how to ride a bike? In the middle of the skatepark?
"Excuse me sir, my son is still getting used to the skatepark could you please be careful around him?" "No, it's my day off and I'm going to ride the piss out of this skatepark."

Hmm, shouldn't they be learning to ride a bike in their yard and/or neighborhood streets, and not the local skatepark? I mean even if the skatepark is/was empty and no one was "harassing" their little ones isn't a child (or anyone who is) learning how to ride doing so at a skatepark more likely to injure themselves in a skatepark vs. learning to ride in their yard? Why would anyone in their right mind think that taking their child a skatepark to learn how to ride is a smart idea?

you guys don't quite understand how packed these paths become and no one cares to move

That's where some sort of air horn or loud buzzer would come into play. If it's loud enough it will penetrate their iPod earphones.

http://stores.biketac.com/-strse-12/Bicycle-bike-horn-blaster/Detail.bok Strap a 12V SLA battery to the rack so you can lay on it longer than 9Vs will last. When the alternative is continuing pain, they'll move.

That looks impressive, how long does the battery last? Without upgrading to a 12v SLA?

That looks impressive, how long does the battery last? Without upgrading to a 12v SLA?

Haven't got one yet, but I did get to see one in action, and it's LOUD! The guy said the 9V was fine for the occasional beep in normal commuting, but it ran down pretty quick when he had to lay on the horn a few times to "redirect" drifting drivers.

With the Airzound... they will move. You will get a dense pack of cyclist drafting behind you so as soon as people start to move there is no going back. It will be like a bicycle freight train and the women with strollers are walking on the tracks. If anyone starts to yell at you just press the Airzound button until they stop. They may think your a jerk but eventually they will figure it out. Maybe point at the signs as your ride by or get a sign on the back of the bike that says "bikes only!"

If they run, particularly if they're a medium to large breed dog isn't there a good chance of them stripping the gears? Or even stripping the gears if they (the owner) has to really pull back on the leash to pull the dog back and away from whatever.

Having used them with German Shepherds, I can say I've never had a problem with it at all. It's very strong. Actually, I think the thing would rip out of your hand due to the sudden stop before it would break (I always wished they made them with a sort of brake to slow the dog down first before engaging the full stop).

However, I would never dream of using one to walk a dog on a sidewalk or any other sort of path. It's much harder to have strong control over your dog in a situation where you need it. They are really great for situations where it's okay to let the dog run around, but you still need some minimal control, like open spaces in a park or something like that. Then you "reel in" when you go around more people. Works great for situations where minimal control is okay, and that's about it.

Having used them with German Shepherds, I can say I've never had a problem with it at all. It's very strong. Actually, I think the thing would rip out of your hand due to the sudden stop before it would break (I always wished they made them with a sort of brake to slow the dog down first before engaging the full stop).

I can see where some sort of break would be a plus on those things.


However, I would never dream of using one to walk a dog on a sidewalk or any other sort of path. It's much harder to have strong control over your dog in a situation where you need it. They are really great for situations where it's okay to let the dog run around, but you still need some minimal control, like open spaces in a park or something like that. Then you "reel in" when you go around more people. Works great for situations where minimal control is okay, and that's about it.

Unless you happen to be the "lucky" person who is trying to enjoy the park and ends up with someone's dog wrapping the leash around their legs causing them to fall. Where I live I have several neighbors who have dogs of all size and a lot of them use those retractable leashes. THe only dogs that I don't mind seeing on those retrable leashes or even off their leash are the real small dogs like the "tea cup" sized dogs. Although they can end up wrapping their leashes around a person's legs and causes them to fall.

Like I said, only in a situation where there aren't lots of people around. The more people, the shorter that leash gets! :D

Like I said, only in a situation where there aren't lots of people around. The more people, the shorter that leash gets! :D

It'd be nice if more people felt that way. I can't tell you how many times I've seen neighbors of mine walking their dogs on those retractable leashes not caring who is around. And sadly few if any of them have any real control over their dog(s). And then they act all surprised when their dog runs up to someone and starts jumping on them. Or are trying to pull 'em back, but of course at that point the dog has completely run out all of the leash and the owner/walker can't really pull back on the leash and get their dog off of the person.

There are no paths here that are designated for the exclusive use of cyclists. Dogs, kids, and obliviots notwithstanding, the most dangerous MUP denizens are the lycra-clad racer-boy wannabes who seem to think these paths are their own, personal cycling time-trial courses. That's why I pretty much stick to the roads, where things are more orderly and predictable.

I ride that bike path almost every day. Boy, could I tell you some stories.

I'm surprised you found it to be so much of a problem from Playa Del Rey to Dockweiler. That is one of the least crowded sections of the South Bay bike path. It's much more crowded further south, and much more crowded on weekends.

I feel your pain. For some reason, pedestrians and joggers have it in their minds that "bike path" means foot path, and that it's OK for them to walk/run on it. Even more enfuriating are the ones who walk right down the center of it ... and have headphones on to boot. Incredibly stupid. And rude.

Then there are the ones with small children. And of course, they are not walking behind the children so they can watch them. Very nice.

California law states:

21966. No pedestrian shall proceed along a bicycle path or lane where there is an adjacent adequate pedestrian facility.

So if there is an adequate adjacent pedestrian facility, pedestrians are supposed to use it. In the section you mention, there is a frontage road that might be used, but it's arguable whether that qualifies. I think it does, but no one made me king. :p

But notwithstanding all that ... here is the bottom line:

You're on a bike path that is right on the beach/ocean. With that comes skateboards, helmetless flipflopped beach cruisers with cellphones jammed in their ears, people carrying surfboards ... and none of them paying much attention. That's the way it is. One of the problems is that enforcement along the majority of the path is left up to the county, and the only county enforcement officers in the area are lifeguards, and you can imagine how concerned they are about ticketing pedestrians in the bike path. The exceptions are in Hermosa (where the local constables have jurisdiction) and the Redondo Beach pier. And in both cases, I have never .... in over 20 years riding the path ... seen a single pedestrian so much as given a warning. But I have seen many cyclists ticketed. I've even had a friendly chat with a couple of policemen in Redondo about it. Trust me ... don't expect any kind of enforcement in the near future.

You can either buy a Zounds horn and fight it, or you can go with the flow. I recommend the latter. If you approach a pedestrian and they are where they should be (on the right) and you can simply pass safely, just do it. If they are in the center or appear to be unpredictable in their motion, call out "bike on your left" so they know you are coming. I do that and the response is:

90% say and do nothing ... but at least I tried.
9% wave or say thank you.
1% say f*ck you.

But you'll get a better response with a polite (and loud) "on your left" than you will with any horn.

And relax. Take in the sights. There's a lot of eye candy out there. :thumb:

That's where some sort of air horn or loud buzzer would come into play. If it's loud enough it will penetrate their iPod earphones.

No..seriously. Hairnet is right. The beach bike paths around here are useless for anything more than just cruising at beach cruiser pace..

I took this pic a few weeks ago, and this is without the pedestrians..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4681167068_881376b61e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bhop73/4681167068/)

I feel your pain. For some reason, pedestrians and joggers have it in their minds that "bike path" means foot path, and that it's OK for them to walk/run on it.

On many parts the pedestrians can only walk on sand if not the concrete bike path. I have no issue with the pedestrians as long as they don't walk like 3 or 4 abreast. I used to run on it from Marina Del Ray to El Segundo, it's a nice path :)

No..seriously. Hairnet is right. The beach bike paths around here are useless for anything more than just cruising at beach cruiser pace..

I took this pic a few weeks ago, and this is without the pedestrians..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4681167068_881376b61e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bhop73/4681167068/)

If it's a dedicated bike path why are there pedestrians on it in the first place? And maybe y'all need to get the local advocacy group involved to motivate the right people to start ticketing pedestrians for being where they shouldn't be in the first place.

On many parts the pedestrians can only walk on sand if not the concrete bike path. I have no issue with the pedestrians as long as they don't walk like 3 or 4 abreast. I used to run on it from Marina Del Ray to El Segundo, it's a nice path :)

Yes, that was what was really bugging me, the two women with the baby strollers just taking up almost the whole path, and the skaters weaving back and forth from lane to lane. I can understand people needing to walk on it instead of the sand, I've had to do that myself. But I know enough to stay as far to the right as possible, and get out of the way of the wheels, when necessary.

On many parts the pedestrians can only walk on sand if not the concrete bike path. I have no issue with the pedestrians as long as they don't walk like 3 or 4 abreast. I used to run on it from Marina Del Ray to El Segundo, it's a nice path :)

Again, I have to ask if it is a clearly signed bikes only path why are pedestrians allowed or tolerated on it? Is it wide enough to accommodate both bicycle and pedestrian traffic? Given that these days that "everyone and their brother" has a cell phone with them when a cyclist sees a pedestrian on a dedicated bikes only path causing problems for cyclists then the cyclists should break out cell phone and call the LEOs and report them. Also maybe it's time to encourage the communities along the path to consider building dedicated paths for pedestrians only.

On many parts the pedestrians can only walk on sand if not the concrete bike path. I have no issue with the pedestrians as long as they don't walk like 3 or 4 abreast. I used to run on it from Marina Del Ray to El Segundo, it's a nice path :)

Well, there is the sidewalk up on Vista Del Mar, and there is also a frontage road that runs most of that stretch. I dunno if that fits the legal definition of an "adjacent adequate pedestrian facility" or not.

But you're right. There are few pedestrians on that path, and I have no problems with what few there are so long as they're staying to the right and not walking 3 or 4 abreast. And most do.

I have a much bigger gripe about the ones who walk/run on the bike path in Manhattan Beach (where there most certainly IS an adequate adjacent pedestrian facility) and those that insist on running up the yellow line instead of staying to the right.:notamused:

No..seriously. Hairnet is right. The beach bike paths around here are useless for anything more than just cruising at beach cruiser pace..

I took this pic a few weeks ago, and this is without the pedestrians..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4681167068_881376b61e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bhop73/4681167068/)

That photo looks like it was taken on a weekend afternoon in Venice. That part of the path, at those times, is certainly crowded, and best left to the beach cruisers.

Other sections at other times are not. From Ballona Creek to El Porto is usually wide open, and 20 MPH is not at all unreasonable or unusual. Manhattan Beach has a separate walking path that most pedestrians are wise enough to use, so that's another place where 20MPH is not unreasonable.

Like I said, only in a situation where there aren't lots of people around. The more people, the shorter that leash gets! :D

Exactly. I do the same with our dog. I keep our beast very close when the situation requires it. I don't take him on MUPs a all. In fact, I rarely even walk on MUPs. I don't feel comfortable walking on the same path with cyclists. The speed differential is just too much. I do walk on the sides of the MUPs, however. In general, I just walk on sidewalks. They go more places and there are almost no cyclists. Problem solved!

Again, I have to ask if it is a clearly signed bikes only path why are pedestrians allowed or tolerated on it? Is it wide enough to accommodate both bicycle and pedestrian traffic? Given that these days that "everyone and their brother" has a cell phone with them when a cyclist sees a pedestrian on a dedicated bikes only path causing problems for cyclists then the cyclists should break out cell phone and call the LEOs and report them. Also maybe it's time to encourage the communities along the path to consider building dedicated paths for pedestrians only.

Hermosa (which offers a MUP, not a dedicated bike path) considered that and rejected that. To their credit, they have installed some sharrows on the roads adjacent the beach to accommodate cyclists who prefer them.

And the problem with any kind of enforcement elsewhere is that it belongs to the county, and most believe that the sheriffs and lifeguards have better things to do.

I think the key here is to make paths wide enough to accomodate its traffic needs. That way, everyone can use it easily. 4 people lined up side by side, pass them. I think you're better off seperating by direction then modality, and make the paths wide enough for its uses.

I think the key here is to make paths wide enough to accomodate its traffic needs. That way, everyone can use it easily. 4 people lined up side by side, pass them. I think you're better off seperating by direction then modality, and make the paths wide enough for its uses.

Sounds oddly familiar! ;) :D

I think the key here is to make paths wide enough to accomodate its traffic needs. That way, everyone can use it easily. 4 people lined up side by side, pass them. I think you're better off seperating by direction then modality, and make the paths wide enough for its uses.I think you're right. The one path for walking and one for biking thing rarely works very well.

Bike paths are bike paths in name only. Most are actually multi-use paths.

Mandatory pedestrian path laws are as stupid as mandatory bike path laws are for bicyclists.

Here's a thought: If pedestrians are choosing to use a bike path instead of an ajacent walking path, maybe there's something wrong with the walking path.

Bicyclists acting like jerks toward other path users doesn't surprise me. I've seen it. Get the loudest horn you can find and scare the bejesus out of those damn pedestrians. It serves them right. The nerve of them!

How is bicyclists trying to scare pedestrians off of a path any different from motorists buzzing bicyclists to scare them off the road?

Call the bike path cops on those damn pedestrian! What's next? Hall monitors? The assistant principal giving you a hard time for throwing paper airplanes out the study hall window?

Gimme a break! Mandatory walking path laws are unenforceable and legislators who pass such laws are wasting their time.

What cop wants to enforce such a law? And do cops really have nothing more important to do?


Stop the insanity! If you can't share, maybe you shouldn't go out in public.

I ride a MUP almost daily and, guess what, you have to share with other path users, some of whom don't have a clue. Tough noogies! That's life in the big city.

Grow up and stop thinking the world revolves around you.

The preceeding is a rant prompted by the realization that, when it comes to being jerks, bicyclists can be just as jerky toward pedestrians as motorists can be toward bicyclists. This thread is disturbing.

I think you're right. The one path for walking and one for biking thing rarely works very well.

I'd agree with that. But properly designed, they work reasonably well. The separate paths in Manhattan Beach work well.


Here's a thought: If pedestrians are choosing to use a bike path instead of an ajacent walking path, maybe there's something wrong with the walking path.

Or maybe the pedestrians are clueless.

The preceding is a rant prompted by the realization that, when it comes to being jerks, pedestrians can be just as jerky toward bicyclists as bicyclists can be toward motorists.

Sounds oddly familiar! ;) :D
As long as they don't build 6 lane mups we should be ok.

Normal,this is the era of "ME",as in,the laws don't pertain to me....

20 MPH on a MUP/bike lane is not reasonable,those type of paths are not race tracks.20 MPH+ on Lincoln Blvd/HWY 1(pick a street) is reasonable.

...when it comes to being jerks, bicyclists can be just as jerky toward pedestrians as motorists can be toward bicyclists. This thread is disturbing.
+1.

I understand the venting, but airzounds? come on. not even legal on a bike in my state.

By the way, our local boardwalk has a divided pedestrian/bike marking. unfortunately, I see more bikes on the pedestrian side than not. I think the reason is that they put the bike lane half on the side with all the lamp posts, benches, curb cuts, flower pots, and trash receptacles. Terrible design.

Bikes are legally aloud on the streets. By riding the streets we are educating all road users as to what the law actually says. Pedestrians on a BIKES ONLY path are also breaking the law and should be educated. Unless you want to have out fliers or educational videos I still like the Airzound idea. All that bike users are doing is asking that other users understand their rights. Chances are, if cyclists are riding on the sidewalk, and walkers on the bike path, then there is probably nothing wrong with either of them. That might also explain the cities investment in what the OP said were large signs every 100 feet. Since most bike paths don't have this kind of signage and dont have this kind of problem I am guess thing problem is with educating the public or the public not caring. Airzound solves both those problems.

On many parts the pedestrians can only walk on sand if not the concrete bike path. I have no issue with the pedestrians as long as they don't walk like 3 or 4 abreast. I used to run on it from Marina Del Ray to El Segundo, it's a nice path :)

Stop being reasonable, you will get run out of town on a rail.

Actually I agree with you. Though there are more than a few places where there is a seperate pedestrian path that is perfect... As long as the pedestrian is comming from just the right direction, otherwise they might not even be aware of the pedestrian path. And there are a few other places where pedestrian and bile paths cross at strange angles.

Most of the Beach bike path is made for cruising and looking at the pretty sights. Looking at it any differently is looking for trouble.

Normal,this is the era of "ME",as in,the laws don't pertain to me....

20 MPH on a MUP/bike lane is not reasonable,those type of paths are not race tracks.20 MPH+ on Lincoln Blvd/HWY 1(pick a street) is reasonable.

That would depend on the MUP/bike lane, and the conditions at the time, wouldn't it?

We are talking about a concrete bike path that runs through a 100-200 yard wide stretch of sandy beach. At the time I am on it, there are typically no pedestrians at all, and any that are on the path can be seen at least 1/10 mile away. I can assure you that it is completely safe to ride 20MPH on that path under those circumstances.

I think the question underneath everything is: Are these bike paths and MUPs for transit or recreation? A lot of times its both, and if that's so, then they should design the infrastructure for all users. Fast bikers, cruisers, joggers, gabbing peds and stroller pushers alike.

Kwitcherbellyachin . . .
A bicycle is a vehicle and permitted to ride on the road.
Stay off those so-called paths which are less safe than the road.

This is why "bike paths" suck.

Get on the road, ride on the road. Bike paths are for wussies and posers.

I think the question underneath everything is: Are these bike paths and MUPs for transit or recreation? A lot of times its both, and if that's so, then they should design the infrastructure for all users. Fast bikers, cruisers, joggers, gabbing peds and stroller pushers alike.

Are roads for recreation or transport? Of course they are for transport but sometimes you are transporting yourself to recreation. Joy riding and racing on the streets is illegal. However, so is holding up traffic when its stacked behind you.

I live in South Korea which has some of the highest traffic related fatalities in the industrialized world. Car driving culture here is odd to say the least. I do ride the roads when I need to get somewhere and don't sweat it too much but Seoul has one of the largest networks of dedicated bicycle paths I have ever seen and finding safe, low-speed roads off the bike path is usually pretty easy. However, I take the paths whenever possible, they are much more pleasant than fighting inept drivers.

The bike paths are two lanes and have a walking path directly next to them. I have rarely seen a walker on the bike path and usually if there is one its an elderly person who just doesn't know the rule. There are no baby strollers because most Koreans dont use them, they carry their babies on their backs or just let them walk, imagine that! I do often see runners on the bike path which makes sense, they are traveling at about the speed of a slow biker.

There are lots of slow bikers in Seoul, especially on the weekends. Not a big deal, just ring your bell and they usually keep to the right. You have got to be careful around kids of course. There are sometimes large packs of racers on group rides that use the path as well. Also not a problem. They are all very nice and usually the guy in the lead will either have a bell or a whistle to let you know you are about to get passed by a pack.

Bicycle paths can and do get used properly in other parts of the world where bicycle culture still exists and/or has been reintroduced. Cultural norms, attitudes, and awareness are what need to change.

Maybe I missed something but didn't the OP say there's a pedestrian path adjacent to the "bikes only" path, yet there were cyclists using it? Why don't we also address that issue. Why were those bicycle riders being so discourteous and oblivious to the peds on the ped path? Have cops out there a couple of times a week redirecting cyclists to the cycle path and peds to the ped path on the warning of receiving a citation. Educate and enforce.

Hermosa (which offers a MUP, not a dedicated bike path) considered that and rejected that. To their credit, they have installed some sharrows on the roads adjacent the beach to accommodate cyclists who prefer them.

And the problem with any kind of enforcement elsewhere is that it belongs to the county, and most believe that the sheriffs and lifeguards have better things to do.

At least they have both in tht area. I don't suppose that they've run PSA's to educate the public as to what the sharrow means?

That is of course until a cyclist "plows" into a pedestrian and then "we'll" be put into position of again having to defend why "we" were on the trail, MUP, or path in the first place. It'd be nice if cycling was a more acceptable mode of transportation here in the states.

Sadly, as most of us know until gas prices hit and stay in the double digits that isn't going to happen anytime soon. :(

I took my very first bike ride down an OFFICIAL bike trail today - from Playa Del Rey (CA)....

I know exactly which path you are referring to.
The worst section is near El Segundo, a public beach called La Playa de Gorda.
The visitors to this particular strand of beach are larger than the average beachgoer.
So large, they cannot walk in the sand for fear of falling over and getting injured.
Their feet sink so deep in the sand as to make it nearly impossible to move - and that is why they choose to walk on the path.

Other than that particular section, it’s a very nice path.