[Originally posted on the 6th of December]

I have ridden the trail from the mountains to the beach most Wednesday
mornings for about five years. I have never had any trouble with gangs. The
list Peter gives is accurate. The lycra clad cyclists have proven to be the
biggest hazard with their speed and seldom do they give a warning. About
three weeks ago I did stumble across a Bobcat right there just south of the
210 freeway. Very cool! but you are already riding on that part of the
trail. I don't know if this qualifies as an unsafe distraction, about three
times I have stumbled upon different couples being far more intimate than is
generally accepted in public.

I think you are already riding on the nicest part of the trail. I love the
scenery in the Santa Fe dam area. Below the narrows is many a mile on the
top of a concrete lined channel. It is still a great long distance ride
through an urban area with out a stop.

I feel very disappointed when I cannot make the trip.

-Dan Vilter

Would like to know what people think is the best starting point on
the upper end of the SART. Have been considering Featherly Park as a
good point to start but it seems as though the trail goes somewhat
farther up than that to the Prado Dam. Any recommendations would be
appreciated, thanks, Al.

----- Original Message -----

From: Paul Diaz

To: bikepaths@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 10:20 PM

Subject: Re: [bikepaths] San Gabriel River Trail

I have ridden the River trail many times with no problems. I have ridden from the start in Irwindale all the way down to Long Beach (Los Alamitos) and back. Approx 60 miles (30 each way). I usually start between 7-7:30 am and twice as late as 9 am. Like I said, NO problems at all. I have ridden alone too.

Hello
I just found something very intresting. There is a ride called
Shadow Tour which shadows the Tour de France stage by satge, mile by
mile, hieght ny hieght, etc.. here is the website if anybody wants
to find out more info about it. there are also training camp that
they offer. www.shadowtour.com
Rafael

I love the SG River trail. I've ridden it solo and in small groups.
Never once had a problem. The first time I rode the trail I flatted
right near the 605/10 interchange just as the sun was setting, which
made for some frenzied tire changing. The more I rode it I realized
the trail is not as remote or isolated as it appears: even though
you seem to be passing through the middle of nowhere--in actuality
you are very close to several major thoroughfares which run parallel
or cross the trail quite regularly. It's very easy to get off if you
have to. My worry nowadays is how easy it is to bring gas powered
scooters or mini(micro?) bikes onto the trail.

There were still some West-Nile mosquito warnings posted the last
time I rode, and one or two coyotes, but that's about it.

Have fun!


Chris Robyn

--- In bikepaths@yahoogroups.com, "Al" <alhjr_55@y...> wrote:
>
>
> My son and I and a friend have ridden the SG river trail from the
> top at the ranger info shack down to Whitter Narrows area and back
> up for approximately a 32 mile ride. We would like to extend our
> ride next time to 45 or 50 miles by going past the Whittier
Narrows
> area for about another 10 miles. I have read somewhere that there
is
> some concern about safety with that middle section of the San
> Gabriel path (IE. gangs and other unsafe distractions). If anybody
> could enlighten me concerning this section of the path, I would
> greatly appreciate it.


Al,
I commonly ride the San Gabriel River Trail Bike Path from Seal
Beach to Whittier Narrows area and back for the past 2 1/2 years "so
far," I have not experienced any type of criminal behavior most the
people who are on the "bike path" have seem to be courteous and
friendly (I found out while riding extending a little courtesy goes
a long way). I do some times ride on the SGRT bike path at night
(during the fall/winter, ride to and from my work) but my distance
is short 8 miles then am off it and "I" have not had any problems
then either, other than that the only really problem that I have
experienced is trying to avoid the pieces of broken glass mostly
always located at the underpasses of major intersections from the
homeless dudes throwing the their empty liquor bottles at the bottom
of the bike path (5 flats,..so far).
I found this website that might help you with the type of
information you are looking for check it out.

"Keep Riding"

http://www.nearfield.com/~dan/sports/bike/notes/hazards/index.htm

My son and I and a friend have ridden the SG river trail from the
top at the ranger info shack down to Whitter Narrows area and back
up for approximately a 32 mile ride. We would like to extend our
ride next time to 45 or 50 miles by going past the Whittier Narrows
area for about another 10 miles. I have read somewhere that there is
some concern about safety with that middle section of the San
Gabriel path (IE. gangs and other unsafe distractions). If anybody
could enlighten me concerning this section of the path, I would
greatly appreciate it.








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I find the part below Whitter Narrows to be only slightly more
intimidating that just below the Santa Fe dam. It feels a tad run down
and remote but I've never had a problem there. The least kosher thing I
have encountered was a group of three kids at an underpass smoking pot.
Once you get to the first park below Whitter (at about 7 mi I think) it
cheers up quite a bit and is quite nice. Anyway, I think you'll be OK.

Al wrote:

>
>My son and I and a friend have ridden the SG river trail from the
>top at the ranger info shack down to Whitter Narrows area and back
>up for approximately a 32 mile ride. We would like to extend our
>ride next time to 45 or 50 miles by going past the Whittier Narrows
>area for about another 10 miles. I have read somewhere that there is
>some concern about safety with that middle section of the San
>Gabriel path (IE. gangs and other unsafe distractions). If anybody
>could enlighten me concerning this section of the path, I would
>greatly appreciate it.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Gangs are not a problem nor is this an area for
homeless camps; I assume the sheriff dept patrols this
area regularly. At one point when the path goes under
an overpass, the path becomes sand and if its wet it
is mud, deep mud.  Also, I believe at Washington Blvd
the path exits on to a street and you'll have to cross
the street and go about 100 feet to the left to
re-enter the path.  It's your manifest destiny to ride
to the beach! Did you know that?
--- Al <alhjr_55@...> wrote:

>
>
> My son and I and a friend have ridden the SG river
> trail from the
> top at the ranger info shack down to Whitter Narrows
> area and back
> up for approximately a 32 mile ride. We would like
> to extend our
> ride next time to 45 or 50 miles by going past the
> Whittier Narrows
> area for about another 10 miles. I have read
> somewhere that there is
> some concern about safety with that middle section
> of the San
> Gabriel path (IE. gangs and other unsafe
> distractions). If anybody
> could enlighten me concerning this section of the
> path, I would
> greatly appreciate it.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>




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The path is not that bad.  The so-called gang element is rarely there in the AM. if anything there are homeless people under overpasses near the bike path.  They keep to themselves.  If you ride in a group, this should ease your concerns.  The times I've ridden the path, there are so many cyclists and joggers that it seems unlikely that you riding in a group will be bothered.

If you are riding in the PM with a pack of valuables all over you, that may be different.  Even then I think riding in a pack will keep you pretty safe.  Go on and ride and enjoy yourself.  you'll be fine.

-------------- Original message from "Al" <alhjr_55@...>: --------------


>
>
>
> My son and I and a friend have ridden the SG river trail from the
> top at the ranger info shack down to Whitter Narrows area and back
> up for approximately a 32 mile ride. We would like to extend our
> ride next time to 45 or 50 miles by going past the Whittier Narrows
> area for about another 10 miles. I have read somewhere that there is
> some concern about safety with that middle section of the San
> Gabriel path (IE. gangs and other unsafe distractions). If anybody
> could enlighten me concerning this section of the path, I would
> greatly appreciate it.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bikepaths/
>
> <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> bikepaths-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
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>
>
>

Dear Al & son,

I have ridden the SG River Trail for over twenty years, regularly, from
the shack to the beach.  I have never seen or been involved in any gang
related problems.  I've also never ridden the trail after dark.  Do that
at your own risk.

The problems you might encounter, include, erratic cyclists alone or in
groups, kids on scooters/skateboards, erratic joggers, people walking
dogs, people walking themselves, riders on horseback, transients of
varying levels of inebriation, clueless park visitors that stray onto
the trail, clueless squirrels that play chicken with cyclists (I ran
over one once), debris on the trail, poor or no visibility in the
tunnels, putrid smells, puddles, clouds of gnats (you must keep mouth
shut), and of course very fast multi-colored lycra clad cyclists (of
which I am one) either riding alone or in varying sizes of groups.
We're probably the worst group you want to encounter, 'cause if you do
something wrong, we'll let you know about it.

Seriously though, I really love riding that trail.  It's one of the few
placs in the L.A. area that you can get a long ride in without dealing
with traffic.  I only wish we had more trails like it.  I highly
recommend that you ride it all the way to Seal Beach.

pr

P.S.  If anyone cares to add to my list, that'd be great.  These were
just off the top of my head.



Date: Sun, 28 Nov 2004 06:41:32 -0000

>   From: "Al" <alhjr_55@...>
>Subject: San Gabriel River Trail
>
>
>
>My son and I and a friend have ridden the SG river trail from the
>top at the ranger info shack down to Whitter Narrows area and back
>up for approximately a 32 mile ride. We would like to extend our
>ride next time to 45 or 50 miles by going past the Whittier Narrows
>area for about another 10 miles. I have read somewhere that there is
>some concern about safety with that middle section of the San
>Gabriel path (IE. gangs and other unsafe distractions). If anybody
>could enlighten me concerning this section of the path, I would
>greatly appreciate it.
>
>

My son and I and a friend have ridden the SG river trail from the
top at the ranger info shack down to Whitter Narrows area and back
up for approximately a 32 mile ride. We would like to extend our
ride next time to 45 or 50 miles by going past the Whittier Narrows
area for about another 10 miles. I have read somewhere that there is
some concern about safety with that middle section of the San
Gabriel path (IE. gangs and other unsafe distractions). If anybody
could enlighten me concerning this section of the path, I would
greatly appreciate it.

Hi Eric,
   Thanks for the review of the San Luis Rey path, it
sounds nice, I will have to check it out sometime.

As for the SART (Santa Ana River Trail)I have done
that ride many times.
It is a paved off street trail that runs from Corona
to Huntington Beach. I believe its around 27-30 miles
each way. There are several popular starting points.
The most eastern being at the Green River road exit
from the 91 freeway. There is usually plenty of
parking. The only catch with this starting point is
its downhill going out, and uphill coming back so save
a little energy for the end.
   The next place to jump on is at Yorba regional park
in Anaheim hills. I like this entrance as it is right
where the flat part starts, still more then 40 miles
r/t but you don't have to do the hill at the end.
   The next popular spot is at Rampart exit from the 57
freeway. This is good place if you just want a quick
trip, its 12 1/2 miles each way for an even 25.
   The last place I use is Moon Park in Costa Mesa a
few streets off the 405. This is 4 miles in from the
beach but a great starting point if your going to do
the beach trails, no parking fees and its a nice
neighborhood. I have used this for rides to Long beach
giving a R/T of a little over 50 miles.
    The SART is very safe for most of it, there are a
few neighborhoods where I would stick to the trail and
it will be pretty obvious by the homeless and graffiti
in the area. None of them hang out on the trail so
don't worry about that. Its very nice in sections with
wildlife in the river bed.

Another less crowded ride you might want to try
sometime is the San Gabriel river trail. The eastern
end is a little east of the Santa Fe Dam recreation
area...
http://www.nearfield.com/~dan/sports/bike/river/sg/

have a great ride

--- Eric Griffith <ehgriffith@...> wrote:

>
>
> Hello folks.
>
> Some comments and a question.
>
> Comments: If you are in Southern California, I have
> to reccomend one
> of the best trails that I have found is the San Luis
> Rey River path.
> This starts at College Avenue in Oceanside, and goes
> about 7 miles
> toward the beach. When the trail ends, it is about
> another 1/3 mile,
> and you are at the Oceanside pier. The path is safe,
> well maintained,
> fairly level, and has no street crossings. Easily
> accesse from
> Highway 76, with parking at three or four spots
> along the way.
>
> San Deigo overall has some great paths. And they
> also have a great
> map of them. There is a free map available that
> shows all bike paths,
> as well as bike lanes for the entire county. Calld
> the San Diego
> Region Bike Map, it is available for free from
> ridelink.org.
>
> I live in Murrieta, and am very pleased with what
> our city has done
> in the way of bike lanes. Most major streets now
> have bike lanes, and
> they are also installing bike signal buttons at most
> of the lights.
>
> My question is about the Santa Ana River trail. I
> can't find much
> online in the way of a map or anything for this
> trail. Does anyone
> have any info about how far it goes, the conditions,
> and/or
> dificulty? I am not a real experienced rider, and
> like to know what I
> am getting into before I journey too far. If anyone
> has some input, I
> would appreciate it...as well as any other suggested
> rides/routes in
> Southwest Riverside county.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Eric
>
>
>
>
>
>
>




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Hi everyone,
I realize this topic has been discussed sufficiently, however, I have
one important thing to add.

Whenever you, as a cyclist, get pulled over and are issued a citiation
by a police officer, make sure that they write down on the ticket that
you were on a bicycle.  This will make it much easier when the judge
sees the ticket and will keep it from affecting your driving record,
regardless of the disposition of your case.

Peter



Date: Mon, 11 Oct 2004 23:22:57 -0700 (PDT)

>   From: Cycle Santa Monica <cyclesantamonica@...>
>Subject: RE: Police give me ticket, what should I do?
>
>
>Hi Rick. Since it appears the officer made some errors in their
>interpretation of law and made apparent errors in the writing of the
>ticket. I would highly recommend calling the Police dept that wrote the
>ticket and ask to speak to the watch commander. I would explain this
>things to the watch commander. If you got him before the officer's shift
>is up, he could probably squash the ticket before it gets into the
>system to far.
>
>If it has been one or more days from the incident this may be more
>difficult to pursue. However, it may worthwhile that the watch commander
>intervenes and possibly pulls the officer aside to provide them with
>instruction on the law and that may aid future cyclists that may be
>ticketed by this officer in error. And besides that maybe the watch
>commander may be able to do something so your ticket is pulled from the
>system. It seems to me that if he can, that it is in the best service to
>the community and the best use of our tax dollars not get wasted trying
>an obvious error by our policing agency and agents and the courts time.
>
>Michael
>Cycle Santa Monica!
>Empowering Cyclists, Skaters, and Pedestrians
>In Santa Monica and the Westside
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cyclesantamonica
>
>

Hello folks.

Some comments and a question.

Comments: If you are in Southern California, I have to reccomend one
of the best trails that I have found is the San Luis Rey River path.
This starts at College Avenue in Oceanside, and goes about 7 miles
toward the beach. When the trail ends, it is about another 1/3 mile,
and you are at the Oceanside pier. The path is safe, well maintained,
fairly level, and has no street crossings. Easily accesse from
Highway 76, with parking at three or four spots along the way.

San Deigo overall has some great paths. And they also have a great
map of them. There is a free map available that shows all bike paths,
as well as bike lanes for the entire county. Calld the San Diego
Region Bike Map, it is available for free from ridelink.org.

I live in Murrieta, and am very pleased with what our city has done
in the way of bike lanes. Most major streets now have bike lanes, and
they are also installing bike signal buttons at most of the lights.

My question is about the Santa Ana River trail. I can't find much
online in the way of a map or anything for this trail. Does anyone
have any info about how far it goes, the conditions, and/or
dificulty? I am not a real experienced rider, and like to know what I
am getting into before I journey too far. If anyone has some input, I
would appreciate it...as well as any other suggested rides/routes in
Southwest Riverside county.

Thanks!

Eric

Hi Rick,
   You have no choice but to fight this bogus ticket, 'cause if you
have him your CaDL# the conviction will put points on your motor
vehicle record.
   Advice posted so far is all good: the CVC section sited doesn't
apply, exposing the cop's ignorance. CVC allows bicyclists to turn
left from the center of the intersection and doesn't specify how
soon or late one should move left across traffic to do so...
bicyclists are just slow moving traffic under that section, that's
all. The dumb cop would've had to site you for impeding traffic--
another section-- and would have to prove there was traffic to
impede.
   Cyclist have to school the police, sad but true, in this motor-
dominated society. You'll be helping us all out, and saving yourself
some insurance premiums, with your victory.
Pete

Fist off, IANAL and you should decide for yourself what you are going to
do.

On Thu, Oct 07, 2004 at 02:27:34AM -0000, Rick wrote:
> 1.I was told by this officer that this bicycle ticket go on my
> driving record, is that true? I hope he just try to scare me.

]From the ca-driving faq:
Even with a driver's license, a bicycle violation shouldn't appear on
your record.  From the CVC section 1803 (b):

The following violations are not required to be reported under
subdivision
(a) of this section:
[....]
(7) Violations for which a person was cited as a pedestrian or while
     operating a bicycle

If they do show up on your record, contact the DMV and get them removed.
I know you can, I have done this.
[end faq entry]

This very intelligent law recognizes that cyclists do not nearly have
the same level of licensing and training required to operate so they
should not be held to the same level punishment.

> 2.What are the procedures if I want to fight against this ticket?

Follow the steps on the ticket. It usually means using up some quality
time in traffic court. It is a pain, but it all depends on what you will
suffer through to get justice. If your case is as you describe, it is a
very winnable case. Some steps can be carried out online (but you will
have to go to court).

> 3.I'd like to ride my bike to work and I need to make a left turn on
> the road frequently, how can I prevent this from happening in the
> future again?

It is legal to use the left hand turn lane in your circumstance.

> 4.What if I use the pedestrian lane, will I get ticketed too?

Unfortunately, you could. Sidewalks are illegal for cyclists to use over
a certain speed requirement. I think you are better off fighting this
ticket and sticking to the road. It is actually the law (regardless of
what that officer thinks the law is).

> Many people told me to should fight back for this ticket.   I
> don't have the experience to negotiate with the judge in the court,
> therefore I don't have the confidence to win this case. Also, the
> risk I take to fight back is if the judge does not accept my
> reasoning and convicts me, I won't be able to attend traffic
> school,
> and will leave a record (and will affect my auto insurance premium).
> Judge in the court will probably on the police officer side because
> they all work for the same boss.

Probably the best online advice on bicycles and laws in California:
http://www.vcbike.org/bikelaw/bikelaw.htm

Read it before deciding whether the ticket is worth fighting. I think
you will find that you were doing the right thing and the officer is
very wrong for citing you.

Good luck!

E

--
Erik Hovland
mail: erik@...
web: http://hovland.org/
PGP/GPG public key available on request

Hi Rick. Since it appears the officer made some errors in their
interpretation of law and made apparent errors in the writing of the
ticket. I would highly recommend calling the Police dept that wrote the
ticket and ask to speak to the watch commander. I would explain this
things to the watch commander. If you got him before the officer's shift
is up, he could probably squash the ticket before it gets into the
system to far.

If it has been one or more days from the incident this may be more
difficult to pursue. However, it may worthwhile that the watch commander
intervenes and possibly pulls the officer aside to provide them with
instruction on the law and that may aid future cyclists that may be
ticketed by this officer in error. And besides that maybe the watch
commander may be able to do something so your ticket is pulled from the
system. It seems to me that if he can, that it is in the best service to
the community and the best use of our tax dollars not get wasted trying
an obvious error by our policing agency and agents and the courts time.

Michael
Cycle Santa Monica!
Empowering Cyclists, Skaters, and Pedestrians
In Santa Monica and the Westside
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cyclesantamonica


-----Original Message-----
Date: Thu, 07 Oct 2004 02:27:34 -0000
From: "Rick" <ricklai@...>
Subject: Police give me ticket, what should I do?

I went out for a bicycle ride yesterday morning. I rode up to a
traffic light at the corner of Virginia Rd. (City of San Marino) and
made a right turn on Huntington Dr. to east side. After looking both
ways, to make sure I was not blocking traffic, I move to the far left
lane (the edge of the lane) preparing to turn left into the next
block, San Marino Ave.

By that time I realized there was a motorcycle officer behind me as I
was getting to the next intersection (San Marino Ave) to make my left
turn, so I decided to keep on cycling. Well, a few seconds later I
heard behind me the sirens coming on from the motorcycle officer (His
name is Tebbett and serial No 263) and I thought "How I am going to
explain this to my wife and kids? ". The police officer yelled at me
to pull over to the side and then he gave me a ticket for using the
fast lane. He said my bike was going too slow blocking traffic behind
me and was considered too far away from the intersection.  The fact
is, I was cycling on the edge of the left side lane the entire time
and was aware that I was not blocking any traffic behind me. Also,
I'd used the left lane to prepare to make a left turn, which is legal
for bicycles.

On the Violation ticket description section he wrote down "CVC
21966
Bike Lane Use" and circle INFRACTION. He also told me go to DMV
to
find out the rule of riding a bicycle on the street.

I look at the DMV web site CVC21966 in this link:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21966.htm
"21966. No pedestrian shall proceed along a bicycle path or lane
where there is an adjacent adequate pedestrian facility."

Furthermore, the DMV Web site says the proper way to make a left
turn. There's even an illustration. See in here
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs55thru57.htm#bike.

This may also support that I had not violated the law:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21208.htm

Permitted Movements from Bicycle Lanes Vehicle Code number 2:
(2) when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a
private road or driveway.

I've been driving for over 20 years and always had an excellent
driving record, and the last time I received a motorized vehicle
ticket was more than 10 years ago. This is the first time I've
received a ticket for riding a bicycle on the street, I was surprised
that the officer gave me a ticket for that reason.

I have a few questions below regarding this matter:

1.I was told by this officer that this bicycle ticket go on my
driving record, is that true? I hope he just try to scare me.
2.What are the procedures if I want to fight against this ticket?
3.I'd like to ride my bike to work and I need to make a left turn on
the road frequently, how can I prevent this from happening in the
future again?
4.What if I use the pedestrian lane, will I get ticketed too?

Many people told me to should fight back for this ticket.   I
don't
have the experience to negotiate with the judge in the court,
therefore I don't have the confidence to win this case. Also, the
risk I take to fight back is if the judge does not accept my
reasoning and convicts me, I won't be able to attend traffic
school,
and will leave a record (and will affect my auto insurance premium).
Judge in the court will probably on the police officer side because
they all work for the same boss.

Thanks for your attention and any advice that you can offer,

Los Angeles. City of San Marino
Rick




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>The police officer yelled at me
>to pull over to the side and then he >gave me a ticket for using the
>fast lane.

 

There are several issues here. The VC violation you were cited for is invalid because you were NOT a pedestrian in a bike lane. The officer stated that you were too far from the intersection to be preparing for a turn. He must say HOW FAR you were, and what the law requires. What shows in the Driver's Handbook is not the law and you should not use it. This violation will show up on your auto driving record IF you showed your auto drivers license to the officer and he wrote the license number on the ticket. You are NOT required to show your license to the officer since you don't need a driver's license to ride a bicycle. However, you are required to show identification. Personally, I carry a photo ID issued by my employer (City of Los Angeles) and would show that to an officer upon demand.

 

I would plead "Not Guilty" and fight it on several grounds. Start with the actual violation on the citation. It says nothing about turning left, holding up traffic, etc. I'll bet the judge will dismiss it based on that alone. But also go into the allowable left-turn procedure as stated in the VC. If Huntington is a divided highway at that point, I would point out that a bicycle is allowed to use the LEFT edge of the roadway on a one-way street. A divided highway is functionally a one-way street in this respect.

 

Go to court prepared. Have the VC violation in front of you and read it if necessary. The judge may not know what that violation states. Have your questions for the officer written out. Have your closing statement (argument) written out point by point. Use the chalk-board to show that you were following the law when preparing for the left turn. Appear knowledgeable and confident. Wear a suit and tie. Be polite. Don't get angry. Question the officer in detail about his knowledge of the VC sections involved. Ask him to describe your actions in detail. Ask him to estimate your speed and how he was trained to do this. Ask him about the traffic density at the time, weather conditions, visibility, whether any traffic actually slowed to avoid you.

 

I have done all of the above and it worked for me!  :)

 

Harv

.

Rick,

Your chances of successfully fighting this ticket are better than you might
think, especially since it appears the officer made a mistake when he wrote
down the Vehicle Code section number. The section you quoted applies to
pedestrians, not cyclists. But besides that, it appears that you were
obeying the law. Maybe the officer just doesn't like cyclists.

The judge will not be biased in the officer's favor, even though they both
work for the government. You can expect to get a fair trial.

The officer is right that if you are convicted, it goes on your driving
record. Bicycle tickets are treated just like automobile tickets.

The ticket itself should explain how to fight it. Some tickets make you
appear in person to plead not guilty and request a trial date. Others allow
you to write in. At the trial, if the officer does not show up (which
happens frequently), you will win automatically. If he does show up, you
will be allowed to explain your side to the judge.

If you are not confident in your own ability to explain to the judge, you
can get a lawyer. Some lawyers specialize in bicycle matters.

Good luck.

Tom

I would bring in the printed copy from the Vehicle code handbook to show
the judge
I once got a ticket for riding my bicycle on the Sidewalk, I check the
vehicle code
at the time it said bicycles were allowed to avoid  heavy traffic,
(something like that)

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I went out for a bicycle ride yesterday morning. I rode up to a
traffic light at the corner of Virginia Rd. (City of San Marino) and
made a right turn on Huntington Dr. to east side. After looking both
ways, to make sure I was not blocking traffic, I move to the far left
lane (the edge of the lane) preparing to turn left into the next
block, San Marino Ave.

By that time I realized there was a motorcycle officer behind me as I
was getting to the next intersection (San Marino Ave) to make my left
turn, so I decided to keep on cycling. Well, a few seconds later I
heard behind me the sirens coming on from the motorcycle officer (His
name is Tebbett and serial No 263) and I thought "How I am going to
explain this to my wife and kids? ". The police officer yelled at me
to pull over to the side and then he gave me a ticket for using the
fast lane. He said my bike was going too slow blocking traffic behind
me and was considered too far away from the intersection.  The fact
is, I was cycling on the edge of the left side lane the entire time
and was aware that I was not blocking any traffic behind me. Also,
I'd used the left lane to prepare to make a left turn, which is legal
for bicycles.

On the Violation ticket description section he wrote down "CVC
21966
Bike Lane Use" and circle INFRACTION. He also told me go to DMV
to
find out the rule of riding a bicycle on the street.

I look at the DMV web site CVC21966 in this link:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21966.htm
"21966. No pedestrian shall proceed along a bicycle path or lane
where there is an adjacent adequate pedestrian facility."

Furthermore, the DMV Web site says the proper way to make a left
turn. There's even an illustration. See in here
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs55thru57.htm#bike.

This may also support that I had not violated the law:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21208.htm

Permitted Movements from Bicycle Lanes Vehicle Code number 2:
(2) when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a
private road or driveway.

I've been driving for over 20 years and always had an excellent
driving record, and the last time I received a motorized vehicle
ticket was more than 10 years ago. This is the first time I've
received a ticket for riding a bicycle on the street, I was surprised
that the officer gave me a ticket for that reason.

I have a few questions below regarding this matter:

1.I was told by this officer that this bicycle ticket go on my
driving record, is that true? I hope he just try to scare me.
2.What are the procedures if I want to fight against this ticket?
3.I'd like to ride my bike to work and I need to make a left turn on
the road frequently, how can I prevent this from happening in the
future again?
4.What if I use the pedestrian lane, will I get ticketed too?

Many people told me to should fight back for this ticket.   I
don't
have the experience to negotiate with the judge in the court,
therefore I don't have the confidence to win this case. Also, the
risk I take to fight back is if the judge does not accept my
reasoning and convicts me, I won't be able to attend traffic
school,
and will leave a record (and will affect my auto insurance premium).
Judge in the court will probably on the police officer side because
they all work for the same boss.

Thanks for your attention and any advice that you can offer,

Los Angeles. City of San Marino
Rick

A great summary from the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition website
on this effort in previous posts to this list.

Here is the upstream to downstream update.

The path currently ends at Victory. Los Angeles Department of
Transportation (LADOT) is working on extending that portion of the
path upstream to Barham Boulevard. I don't know on the timeline on
that stretch for certain, but I think it is at least 2+ years out.

Fletcher downstream to Riverside Drive.
This the portion that is still old flood control access road for
about 3 miles and is characterized by the bumps and dips. Again, this
is not a bike path yet and it is important to ride it with caution. I
commute on this path regularly and painted dips and bumps warnings on
the pavement last May. As of last week they are still there. LADOT is
working on converting this to an official bike path, but it is at
least a year before it will be improved and opened.

Riverside Drive thru' downtown.
This reach of river path is very complex. Rail tracks mar both sides
of the river right of way and the only viable option is to go on
streets. I recommend trying Avenue 19 and heading down Broadway or
Spring if you headed to downtown. LADOT will be installing bike lanes
on Spring Street in the next year or so. If heading to the ocean,
stay on the east bank and connect up with Boyle (great street for
riding). To get to the County Los Angeles River Bike Path at Vernon
you'll need to tough it out thru' Soto and Vernon until you pick up
the path at Atlantic Boulevard. The good news is that you can go the
final 20 or so miles to the ocean from there.

So the key is the missing link of about 7 miles in downtown. It has
been studied again and again. We will get there eventually, but we
need more folks to advocate for a complete LAR bikeway.

Thanks
Chuck Arnold
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition
Board Member

I'm new to the group, and didn't see any recent posts related to
this.  Does anyone know when the Rio Hondo path will no longer be
cutoff by construction?

Gene