CHRISTY MACBRIDE-HART, San Clemente
Mr. Parsons wrote that he is no longer using the Beach Trail due to “motor bikes.”
He stated as fact that they are going “up to 30 mph.” My question is: How does he know that? Has he walked on the trail with a radar gun?
I have been interested in how fast the bikes are actually going. I have suggested to city council that either one of the big radar boxes we see on the street be placed on the trail near Linda Lane, where the trail is wide and straight, or that they conduct a study with the use of hand-held radar guns.
I agree that a bike sometimes passes me going “too fast,” but I have no idea if they are going the speed limit at 10 mph or Mr. Parsons’ 30 mph.
He states that “there are no speed-limit signs” and the only “Walk Bike” signs are by the pier. Recently, I found two small (about 8”x10”) 10 mph signs, but both were between Dije and El Portal (I only walked between the pier and Dije, so there may be more).
There are also “walk bike” signs (about 3’ tall) on both ends of the bridge. I agree there could be more and larger speed-limit signs along the trail, but without enforcement, I’m not sure how much difference they would make. I’d love to see the speeders ticketed.
But unlike Mr. Parsons, I think most bike riders go a reasonable speed and are courteous to and respectful of the walkers. I would hate to see a few bad riders ruin the Trail for the others.
