• Trouble logging in? Send us a message with your username and/or email address for help.
New posts

Uncle Timmy

Beach Fanatic
Nov 15, 2004
1,013
32
Blue Mountain Beach
I notice that in one stretch of Blue Mtn, a 3' bike lane exists on the south side of the road. Maybe they just need more of those.

I would support that idea.

Please understand that no one speaking out against biking on 30A is against bikers per se.

It is really just cold hard Traffic Engineering 101. When you have a 2 lane road (like 30A) with numerous side streets you need to minimize, if not eliminate passing vehicles. That is why most of 30A is a no passing zone except for portions thru the State Forest where there are no side streets.

Because there is no shoulder, cars need to swerve into the oncoming lane to safely pass bikes and this puts cars pulling out of side streets at great risk. (Remember, you aren't looking to the right when you pull out, normally).

Everybody can be following the rules, everybody can be being courteous and yet there is still an inherent danger here.
 

Jdarg

SoWal Expert
Feb 15, 2005
18,039
1,984
I'm making a new rule for the way-too-narrow Western Lake bridges- single file and/or wait your turn!

Personally, I'm going to step to the side and let the bikes go first because they will anyway.:angry:

It is much easier and safer to wait and let everyone go across the bridges before crossing myself.
 

Miss Kitty

Meow
Jun 10, 2005
47,011
1,131
71
I'm making a new rule for the way-too-narrow Western Lake bridges- single file and/or wait your turn!

Personally, I'm going to step to the side and let the bikes go first because they will anyway.:angry:

It is much easier and safer to wait and let everyone go across the bridges before crossing myself.

Okay...here's an idea...walk softly and carry a big stick. :D
 

Beemn

Beach Lover
Jan 1, 2006
89
3
so wal
It is amazing how you can ride a long way, but come to the bridge at western lake and you can be sure you will encounter two or three runners and a bicycling family, all crossing at the same time as a car train in each direction!!! Summer or winter, traffic or none...it will happen! As for the sand and gravel on the bike path, regional utilities is the major culprit for much of the path!
 

scooterbug44

SoWal Expert
May 8, 2007
16,706
3,339
Sowal
Murphy's law!

They are in charge of maintaining it or putting the sand/gravel there?

In my experience, the worst areas are where gravel/sand roads & driveways cross the path. There are a couple more spots where you can see the sand washing onto the path, but it seems to wash off too.
 

Teresa

SoWal Guide
Staff member
Nov 15, 2004
30,893
9,500
South Walton, FL
sowal.com
A 3' bike lane on a hwy with speed limits of 65mph, is not for safety. A divided bike path would be. That said, I like to ride on 30A because it is refreshing to see something other than pine trees on my ride. Coastal Dune Lakes and Communities become can be refreshing breaks between longer stretches. That is something that you cannot see on Hwy 98, 283, 83, 395. Not too mention that those north south roads are no more than 3 miles, and that would be a boring ride to go back and forth on. I think the real safety issue is drivers who are not focusing on driving.

SJ: I agree you should ride on the road if you choose. I also agree that its dangerous. Some drivers are not focusing on driving for lots of reasons, especially on 30A, true. This isn't going to change. But, I believe most are safe drivers - and even still, there is a danger on or near the road for for all bikers and pedestrians. just be careful. Drivers don't want to hit anyone - that must be horrible when it happens. But, it happens to the best of 'em.
 

Smiling JOe

SoWal Expert
Nov 18, 2004
31,644
1,773
Tootsie, I acknowledge that being on the road is dangerous, but that is just a risk that I will take. I take a risk of being killed everytime I get in my car. If we live in fear, we don't live at all. When I die, I want to know that I have lived.
 

Hop

Beach Fanatic
Oct 1, 2006
2,228
182
52
Dune Allen
www.myspace.com
Tootsie, I acknowledge that being on the road is dangerous, but that is just a risk that I will take. I take a risk of being killed everytime I get in my car. If we live in fear, we don't live at all. When I die, I want to know that I have lived.

i agree...but i don't want some drunk idiot tourist on 30-a to be the way i go out...ill take the path...
 
New posts


Sign Up for SoWal Newsletter