[SVBC] KSBW Editorial: Santa Cruz -- Safer Biking

[Bob Shanteau]

KSBW-TV
Joseph W. Heston
KSBW President and General Manager
May 16, 2008
<http://www.ksbw.com/asseenon/16302948/detail.html>

It’s taken a pair of tragic accidents but it finally appears some 
headway is being made to make Mission Street in Santa Cruz safer for 
bicyclists. In the wake of two bike riders being killed at the Mission 
and Bay Street intersection in the past year, city leaders decided on 
Tuesday night that they will post two new signs reminding drivers to be 
careful and be alert for two-wheeled traffic. There’s no down side to 
this; nobody disputes that the road which doubles as Highway One is 
extremely busy, with little if any space available for bikers to pedal 
while larger cars and trucks pass. The unfortunate part is trying to 
figure out what more can be done.

Making the intersection safer shouldn’t stop with posting signs. Both 
the city and Caltrans should continue looking for ways and opportunities 
to make Mission Street a safer place for everybody whether they’re on 
two wheels or four. But with options limited, the real burden falls on 
motorists and bikers; they need to equally shoulder this responsibility.

Those driving on four wheels need to be especially attentive in this 
dangerous area. Hopefully bikers will do what they can to avoid the 
intersection – especially in high traffic times - and we pray there 
aren’t any bikers who decide the best way to get safety issues addressed 
is by intentionally riding unsafely through the intersection and 
disrupting the traffic flow.

Trying to make some “political statement” in that manner could likely 
get another person ki