Originally Posted by
Pamestique
Came across what apparently is a new trend which I think is extremely dangerous.:
This isn't new. I rode that section twice a week for years since 02-03 and riders have always done this since that time, before I am sure.
Originally Posted by
Pamestique
I will go out onto the street so cyclists riding south/west can continue on the bike path.
So you go out onto the street so that other cyclists can use the path?
First of all, the path is along the edge of the road, it is not a sidewalk. Sounds like you added to the problem. Why ride the path if you plan to exit the path so that others can use the path? Why ride the path in the first place?
Secondly, other than wanting to avoid the short steep climb, there is no reason why a rider should go out on the street in the first place. The path is wide enough to accomodate traffic in both directions. Maybe it would benefit you to stay on the path avoiding the whole unsafe issue.
This is the section in question. Riders that hop onto La Palma do so in order to avoid the short steep climb.
Capture1 by
gulpxtreme, on Flickr
A closer view. Is there really a reason to hop onto out into the street so that "other cyclists can use the path"? If it is safer to do the climb, then do the climb. There is plenty of room for two riders. Rider in the pic doesn't seem to be taking up the entire width of the trail at this point or the section heading off to the right.
Capture2 by
gulpxtreme, on Flickr
Markings on the "path" showing it is not a sidewalk. That car looks like it could easily fit on the path. Like I said, stay on the path if one feels unsafe. There is no reason to exit the path in the first place other than wanting to avoid the short steep climb.
Capture3 by
gulpxtreme, on Flickr