Bike Accidents--Personal Injury-Deaths- Lead to Road Closure

Paul Kiesel

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Responding to a series of major injury and wrongful death incidents along the Pacific Coast Highway involving bicyclists and pedestrians, the Dana Point City Council voted to ban pedestrians and bicycles along the inland side of the Pacific Coast Highway. The northbound side of the Pacific Coast Highway will be off limits to all but motor vehicles to provide a safer environment for bikes and pedestrians. While voting to ban non-motor vehicle traffic on the north side of the Pacific Coast Highway through Dana Point, the City Council voted to construct a 10 foot wide, 1.5 mile long concrete barrier to protect cyclists and pedestrians.

Fred Guttentag, who rides along Pacific Coast Highway a couple of times a week, said safety is a major concern when choosing his bike routes.

"There must be a bike lane and a low volume of traffic," he said.

Guttentag said he welcomes the barrier separating cyclists and cars. "Anything that increases safety is a good thing," he said. "I'm very aware of the possibility of an accident."

Car crashes with bikes can happen anywhere at any time, and taking appropriate safety measures is critical. Dana Point's decision to create a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians is an important step in this direction. Wearing safety equipment, such as helmets and reflective clothing, is also essential.