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Home My WebLink About08 - Castaways Park Pedestrian / Bicycle SafetyISSUE: The City has received several complaints regarding the use of the Castaways Park Trail by bicyclists traveling at high speeds and endangering pedestrians. RECOMMENDATION: Direct staff to implement one or more of the following measures intended to mitigate the hazard: • Divide the trail into two lanes, separating the bicyclists from the pedestrians as shown in Attachment A. • Increase the number of "Walk Bike" messages painted on the downhill trail. • Post signs urging bicyclists to use caution at the beginning of at each trail and at each blind turn. The Castaways Park trail was constructed concurrently with the development of the adjacent homes in 1998 and was intended to be a multi-use trail for recreational purposes. The portion of the trail within Castaways Park is a segment of the City of Newport Beach Back Bay Loop. The trail is not subject to the California Vehicle Code and there are not any pertinent regulations in the City's Municipal Code. To date there are no documented accidents between bicyclists and pedestrians since the trail was opened. Over the past year, staff has received several complaints regarding the speed of bicyclists using the Castaways Park trail. The complaints have been both verbal and in writing and are all concerned about the potential for an accident (Attachment B). There is also concurrence with the complaints by a Newport Beach police officer who has observed speeding bicyclists while he was personally walking on the trail. The trail is not marked with lane markings, there are no curbs and the width of the trail ranges from 6' to 12'. There is a 300' section of the trail which is only 6' wide. At that point, there is a sign directing bicyclist to walk their bicycles but the directive is largely ignored. FISCAL IMPACT Costs will be determined by the measures selected by the Commission. Additional signage will cost less than $1000.00 while Striping and pavement signage (including bicycle and pedestrian icons) will cost approximately $2,000. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Not applicable. PUBLIC NOTICE: Not applicable Submitted by: Steve Bunting Project Analyst Attachment: A. Castaways Park Aerial B. Correspondence from Brundage, Darling & Vogel / �YZ�� Attachment A . .� � �\ September 7, 2010 Newport Beach City Officials I have been a home owner in Newport Beach since 1986 and a property owner in Costa Mesa since 1973. On Tuesday mornings I walk my dog with a friend on the path by the Castaway homes over looking the bay. On several occasions bikers come racing by and we have almost been knocked down. This morning I was picking up after my dog and a biker came by missing me by inches. I have talked to other dog walkers along this path and they have told me of other near miss situations, occasion where the bikers have run into their pets, etc. This is a dangerous situation. When I notified the police department they said they would patrol the area. While that may be helpful it is not a solution to the on going problem. I am a biker although not a speeder and we notify walkers when riding by. I have read about other bike altercations in the paper so I would assume you have dealt with this issue in other areas. Here are just a few questions I have: 1. Have you had other complaints from people using this path way? 2. What solutions have you discussed about this problem? 3. Is there a speed limit along this path? 4. What solutions are available for this problem? It would be nice to believe that everyone would be responsible, but that is not the case. In the situation this morning, a simple, "coming through" would have prevented a near miss collusion. Walkers can't be expected to have eyes in the back of their head or hear an upcoming bike from behind them. We try and are responsible citizens, but something needs to be done about this pathway before a serious collusion occurs. If I am knocked down and injured, a simple sorry would not be a sufficient response. Possible ideas 1. Post signs along the path stating a reduced speed limit 2. Notifying bikers that walkers have the right away 3. Only allowing bikers to go I way( this way be illogical) I admit I don't have a great answer for this problem, but you may have dealt with this issue, and can enlighten me as to the legal issues of this situation. Thank you, Nancy Brundage 1837 Port Manleigh Place Newport Beach, CA 92660 949- 760 -5430 From: Darling, David Sent: Thu 9/9/2010 11:36 AM To: Brouwer, Jeff Subject: RE: Bike Castaways (Police Department Memo) Jeff, The area mentioned in the letter is a City park called Castaways Park. There are three main entrances to the park: Dover / Cliff Dr., Castaways Park parking lot at Dover and Castaways and the north side of the park at Westcliff and Santiago. There are City signs posted for bicycle use and pedestrian use and this park is actually part of the "Back Bay Loop." By the signs and markings, this is a park was constructed for the combined use of bicycles, pedestrians, runners and dog - walkers. The specific complaint mentions the operation of bicycles within the park. The asphalt within the park is not marked with lane markings, there are no curbs and the width of the path ranges from 6' to 12'. In the area where the path is only 6' wide, there is a sign directing bicyclist to walk their bicycles. This is a 300' section of the path in the area of Cliff Dr. and Dover Dr. All other areas appear to be combined (bicycle and pedestrian) use areas. I believe that Ms. Brundage has a valid complaint due to the width of the asphalt path and the fact that bicycles and pedestrians may both use the path. I believe that our Municipal Code is the only legislation that regulates the use of the path. However, Chapter 12 does not specifically regulate the use of bicycles in Castaways Park. Chapter 11 regulates the use of Park facilities but does not address any of Ms. Brundage's concerns. I can sympathize with Ms. Brundage (I walk my dog on a bike path) but I don't have an immediate solution to her problem. There are only a few courteous bicycle riders out there who notify you of their presence. If all bicyclists notified pedestrians as they approached, then slowed down, then gave a wide berth, it would solve most of the near - misses mentioned in Ms. Brundage's letter. Unfortunately, the Police can't regulate bicycle use within this Park based on these circumstances. Let me know if I can do anything else. David Dr. James & Dorothy Vogel 445 San Bernardino Avenue Newport Beach, Ca. 92663 Tele. (949) 642 -0166 Fax. (949) 642 -6318 October 5, 2010 City of Newport Beach Mr. David A Kiff City Manager, City Hall 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, Ca. 92658 Dear Mr. Kiff. I have lived in Newport Beach and been a home owner since 1971. I havE watched our City develop into one of the finest Cities to the country. The recreation areas available to the public are wonderful. However, there is one area that is in need of attention and that is the Castaways Park Trail. 1 walk my dog in this area sometimes several times a week The problem with the cyclists is very dangerous. They ride at high speeds. They do not stay on one or the other side of the trail but they blast thru with little or no indication of their presence, until they almost knock you over. I have been in a situation whereby my dog or I could have been badly injured I have spoken to other people on the trail who specify the same concerns. When you ask the cyclists to slowdown they simply refuse to. They are going so fast that you can feel the draft from them. It is truly unnerving and j totally unsafe. Signs need to be posted that indicate an acceptable speed. This is not a raceway but a path for everyone to enjoy; cyclists and walkers alike. Last Tuesday I encountered eight individuals along the trail who all were complaining about the bikers thatporticular morning. Your assistance in resolving this matter would be greatly appreciated. We want to continue to enjoy our City. l ` -1Sorothy Vogel October 7, 2010 David A. Kiff City Manager City Hall 3300 Newport Blvd Newport Beach, CA 92657 -8915 Dear Mr. Kiff: Thank you for your letter of September 13, 2010 regarding the Castaways Park Trail. I noticed that there is a sign at the top of the steep trail that flows into the main trail. It says that you must walk your bike down the steep part. Thank you for your suggestions to have a sign posted reminding bicyclists to share the trail and then a possible solution of putting a stripe down the center limited bicyclists to one side only. Those may be a solutions, but I am not sure they address our main concern of bikes that speed through that area. Last week there were numerous walkers, dog walkers, and strollers, and ifthere had been a speeding bike it would have been a disaster. I still feel that some speed limit should be placed on individuals who ride their bikes through that area. Other people we talked to suggested speed bumps. This continues to be a concern of individuals who use the trail. Pleas keep me posted of what the city decides to do concerning this matter. Thank you for extending the hours that dogs way use the beach. Sincerely, Nancy Brundage 1937 Port Manleigh Place Newport Beach, CA 92660