We propose allowing cyclists to access the park from sunrise to sunset while maintaining current park hours, with the gate closed until 8 AM.

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Clint Elsholz, Superintendent, Diablo Range District, California State Parks

Subject: Proposal to Enhance Cyclist and Motorist Safety on Mount Diablo
Dear Clint,                                                                                                        October 1, 2024

We are writing on behalf of the Mount Diablo cycling community to address a safety issue affecting both cyclists and motorists in the park. We ask for your consideration of the following proposal, which we believe will significantly enhance the safety of park guests.

With more than 100,000 annual cyclists on the Mountain, we appreciate the recent safety improvements, including the addition of 67 bike turnouts, an electronic message sign, a mandatory verbal safety advisory for motorists, and solid double yellow lines. However, many drivers still exhibit impatience, often crossing these lines and attempting to pass cyclists on blind curves, as documented in an Oregon State University research paper. This behavior increases the risk for cyclists, especially those descending the mountain, and we believe more can be done.

(Rick Edmondson, Seriously Injured on December 1, 2021)

Between 2002 and August 2024, there were 67 cyclist-vehicle collisions resulting in serious injuries to park visitors. According to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), most of these collisions occurred between 10 AM and 1 PM. This underscores the need to provide access for early morning cyclists, enabling them to navigate the park before the influx of vehicles. Such an adjustment would also minimize risks in the identified danger zone along Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd, prior to the gate.

Our primary objective is to create safety measures that can prevent these collisions and enhance safety for park recreation. To achieve this, we propose allowing cyclists to access the park from sunrise to sunset while maintaining current park hours, with the gate closed until 8 AM. This fundamental adjustment would create a safer environment for cyclists, reducing the risk of dangerous interactions with vehicles.

Our proposal aligns with 69% of California state parks that open for cyclists and other recreation before 8am, reflecting a broader trend toward prioritizing cyclist safety. We believe that adopting a similar approach at Mount Diablo could lead to a significant reduction in collisions and, most importantly, save lives.

We urge California State Parks to seriously consider this proposal and its potential impact. Together, we can enhance safety for all park users. We understand your time is valuable, but we would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and hear your thoughts.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Best regards,

Cyclist Safety Committee (Mount Diablo Cyclists): Beth McKnight (Marketing Consultant), Elliott Call (Medical Doctor), Cathy Posey (Sales Professional), Karin Deas (Engineer), Alan Kalin (COL U.S, Army (Ret.)