BREAKIING NEWS! 4 Bike Turnouts will be installed in September 2020! These four locations are where Bike vs Vehicle and Near-Miss Collisions have ocurred. The contractor is G.N. Henley Inc. Clayton CA.

https://youtu.be/co_xW4rAH4Q

Valley Spokesmen, Mount Diablo Cyclists and over 20 Cyclists had and excellent meeting (8/20/19) with Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (she's holding the MDC Poster in photo below).

She is very supportive of the Bike Turnout Project! She is waiting to hear from several thousand of her Constituents and she will find a way to Fund it!

https://youtu.be/chmTK11DH18

1. State Senator Steve Glazer: to send comments use this link https://sd07.senate.ca.gov/contact/email  

Senator.Glazer@senate.ca.gov  (925) 258-1176

2. Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan: to send comments use this link https://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=AD16

Assemblymember.bauer-kahan@assembly.ca.gov (925) 328-1515

3. Assemblymember Tim Grayson: to send comments use this link

https://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=AD14

Assemblymember.grayson@assembly.ca.gov (925) 521-1511

Special Thanks to Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan for meeting with us on 5/3/19 to discuss funding options for the 77 Bike Turnout Project#2019-05 for MDSP. State Parks "Goal" is to "Maybe" install 3-4 Bike Turnouts in FY 19/20. At that rate (4 per year), it will take 19 years to complete the project! That's just unacceptable! Bike Turnouts Save Lives and Prevent Collisions!

No Money Budgeted for Bike Turnouts: 2017, 2018 or 2019! We have a Maybe for FY 19/20?

April 15, 2019 (Email): Eduardo (Eddie) Guaracha, Diablo Range District Superintendent. "We will be able to secure funds for the next cycle.  The following locations have been identified for construction in FY 19/20."

1) South Gate Road #12 (C-1), 2) Summit Road #17 (C-6), 3) North Gate Road #17 (C-7), 4) South Gate Road #22 (C-2)*

"The turnout projects will have to go out to bid.  Monte has accepted the Diablo Range District Maintenance Chief position and the State Park Equipment Operator position is currently vacant.  It is best we contract this phase at this time to ensure the project is completed next FY.   The number of turnouts we complete in 19/20 will be predicated on contractor bids.  The project sites will be itemized to allow us to eliminate the lowest priority and still be able to award contract.  We will attempt to complete four, but proceeding with the knowledge we may only be able to complete top three turnouts. Unfortunately, I will be unable to meet on the 24^th due to a recent scheduling conflict."

MDSP 77 Bike Turnout Project Officially Signed! March 19, 2019!

Mount Diablo Cyclists Collaborated with California State Parks to create the MDSP Bike Turnout Project to Install 77 Bike Turnouts on Mount Diablo! Officially signed, but needs to be funded! We are working with State Parks to fund Phase I: 15 Highest Priority Bike Turnout Locations on the most dangerous Blind Curves!

https://youtu.be/8s_Hy6AvoGk

To Lisa Mangat, Director California State Parks: Video & Letter

https://youtu.be/aUuc7eCC4Cw

Oct 14, 2018, Email to: Maria Mowrey (District Superintendent, Bay Area District) and Ryen Goering (Contra Solano Sector Superintendent) CA State Parks

Mount Diablo Cyclists and State Parks collaborated to install double-yellow centerline and the advisory signs on the roads of Mount Diablo State Park.  Our Partnership has resulted in a decrease in the number of traffic collisions on those roads.  However, as judged by surveys from drivers and cyclists, and by our own personal experiences, these improvements are not enough.  It remains not a question of if, but when the next Bike vs Vehicle Collision will occur, resulting in a serious injury or possibly a fatality. Please refer to michaeln294.sg-host.com for further documentation and videos.

Our concern is the high number of near-miss and the actual collisions involving cyclists.  On a typical weekend day, up to 500 drivers share the roads with approximately 700 cyclists. According to some estimates, over 150,000 cyclists rode up Mount Diablo last year. The majority of vehicles on Mount Diablo are now bicycles!

According to Park Leadership and supported by the responses in our Motorist Surveys, "most motorists entering the Park have never been to Mount Diablo before and are unaware that they will share the narrow, winding roads with hundreds of cyclists." 128 cyclists completing a recent survey reported a total of 336 unsafe passes on blind curves while riding up the mountain.  Given that only a portion of the total cyclists riding in the park that Saturday completed the survey, the total estimate of unsafe passes would be over 1,000. Considering the number of cars, bikes and pedestrians on the park roads that day, it is remarkable that there were not serious accidents. 

The following describes the situation that occurs on a very frequent basis: an uphill-bound motorist decides to pass an uphill-bound cyclist, presumably to be able to drive up the mountain faster; in order to do so, the driver elects to cross over the centerline, despite the fact that it is double-yellow; the driver thus enters the downhill-bound lane of traffic, directly in the path of a descending car, truck or bicycle. If there is a vehicle in the descending lane, still unseen by that ascending/passing driver who is now in that lane also, there is a high probability of at least a near-miss collision, if not an actual collision of the two vehicles.  If that descending vehicle is a cyclist, a serious injury or fatality can occur.

https://youtu.be/e3PggA1vjCY

There are more than 300 curves on the roads of Mount Diablo, many of which are blind curves, and this scenario takes place on virtually every ride for some of us.  Even if we stay to the inside of every curve, and proceed slowly as we descend, we are very vulnerable when an oncoming car crosses the centerline and suddenly appears right in front of us, partially or almost completely blocking our lane.  It is a chilling, unforgettable experience; but it is preventable.

There are several safety projects that, if implemented, will improve the safety for cyclists and motorists. But at the top of the list are Bike Turnouts. Bike Turnouts have the potential to significantly reduce the high number of near-miss and actual collisions involving cyclists, especially on blind curves. The majority of collisions and near-miss collisions occur on or near blind curves.

The Leadership Team of Mount Diablo Cyclists looks forward to continued collaboration with State Parks to improve the safety for all who enjoy the roads on Mount Diablo.

On July 13, 2018, the Staff Counsel for California State Parks responded to our Public Records Act Request: "It is my understanding that there are no restrictions for joggers or pedestrians running or walking in the opposite direction of car and bicycle traffic on Mount Diablo State Park roads."

State Parks Meeting, May 29, 2018

Mount Diablo Cyclists (MDC) leadership was invited to meet with State Parks leadership in the Capitol on May 29, 2018, to discuss topics addressed in the letter written by Vince Anibale on April 27.  Our chief concern was that the letter stated that "priority" projects in Mount Diablo State Park would be "pursue(d) within the next two years." This timeline is vague, non-committal and addressed Bike Turnouts, but not the delivery of the Verbal Motorist Safety Advisory to all drivers entering the Park, or several other issues that State Parks is aware are of high priority to MDC.

The final resolution was that MDC would receive a response via email on June 4, detailing the timeline for completion of the Project Evaluation Form regarding construction of additional Bike Turnouts.

It's not a question of if, but when the next Bike vs Vehicle Collision will occur, resulting in a serious injury or possibly a fatality.

https://youtu.be/ZQnLdGom9i4

Letter send to State Parks and Elected Leaders

Dear Colleagues,                                                May 23, 2018

The installation of the double-yellow centerline and the advisory signs on the roads of Mount Diablo State Park has been associated with a decrease in the number of traffic collisions on those roads.  However, as judged by surveys from drivers and cyclists, and by our own personal experiences, these improvements are not enough.  It remains not a question of if, but when the next Bike vs Vehicle Collision will occur, resulting in a serious injury or possibly a fatality.

Our concern is the high number of near-miss and the actual collisions involving cyclists.  On a typical weekend day, up to 500 drivers share the roads with approximately 700 cyclists. According to some estimates, over 150,000 cyclists rode up Mount Diablo last year. The majority of vehicles on Mount Diablo are now bicycles!

According to Park Leadership and supported by the responses in our Motorist Surveys, "most motorists entering the Park have never been to Mount Diablo before and are unaware that they will share the narrow, winding roads with hundreds of cyclists." 128 cyclists completing a recent survey reported a total of 336 unsafe passes on blind curves while riding up the mountain.  Given that only a portion of the total cyclists riding in the park that Saturday completed the survey, the total estimate of unsafe passes would be over 1,000. Considering the number of cars, bikes and pedestrians on the park roads that day, it is remarkable that there were not serious accidents. 

The following describes the situation that occurs on a very frequent basis: an uphill-bound motorist decides to pass an uphill-bound cyclist, presumably to be able to drive up the mountain faster; in order to do so, the driver elects to cross over the centerline, despite the fact that it is double-yellow; the driver thus enters the downhill-bound lane of traffic, directly in the path of a descending car, truck or bicycle. If there is a vehicle in the descending lane, still unseen by that ascending/passing driver who is now in that lane also, there is a high probability of at least a near-miss collision, if not an actual collision of the two vehicles.  If that descending vehicle is a cyclist, a serious injury or fatality can occur.

There are more than 300 curves on the roads of Mount Diablo, many of which are blind curves, and this scenario takes place on virtually every ride for some of us.  Even if we stay to the inside of every curve, and proceed slowly as we descend, we are very vulnerable when an oncoming car crosses the centerline and suddenly appears right in front of us, partially or almost completely blocking our lane.  It is a chilling, unforgettable experience; but it is preventable.

There are several safety projects that, if implemented, will improve the safety for cyclists and motorists.  But at the top of the list are Bike Turnouts. Bike Turnouts have the potential to significantly reduce Bike vs Vehicle Collisions, especially on blind curves. The majority of collisions and near-miss collisions occur on or near blind curves.

In 2016, Park Leadership and Mount Diablo Cyclists collaborated to design and install 3 Bike Turnouts as a pilot study. In September 2017, we collaborated with Park Leadership to identify locations with sufficient pavement to install 10 more Bike Turnouts for a total cost of less than $5,000. Finally, after a letter from State Senator Glazer and Assemblywoman Baker, these 10 were installed in February 2018.

Bike Turnouts are supported by elected leaders, Mount Diablo State Park Staff and volunteers, the California Highway Patrol, Bike East Bay and other cycling organizations, and a petition with over 2,600 signatures. Surveys from motorists and cyclists alike, and video images all support the potential of Bike Turnouts to significantly reduce collisions, injuries, and possibly fatalities.

In September 2017, Park Leadership and Mount Diablo Cyclists identified 48 locations for Bike Turnouts that would require construction.  In December 2017, Park Leadership added an additional 29 locations, for a total of 77. Many of these potential Bike Turnouts locations are where past collisions (160+) have occurred and will occur again if we do not act quickly to install Bike Turnouts on the roads of Mount Diablo.

1.) When in 2018 will State Parks install 10 additional Bike Turnouts on the most dangerous blinds curves?

2.) When will State Parks install permanent signs at the 13 existing Bike Turnouts?

3.) When will State Parks approve and fund the MDSP Bike Turnout Plan?

We believe that the ultimate goal of preventing Bike vs Vehicle Collisions, and the potentially fatal consequences thereof, more than justifies the investment.

When will the Verbal Motorist Safety Advisory be given to all drivers entering the Park? This safety message is vital, but can only be provided to a driver if there is someone stationed at the entrance kiosks. For years, the kiosks at North and South Gate have been staffed less than 50% of the hours that the Park is open. Therefore, many motorists never hear that message. Consequently, they pass cyclists on blind curves, unwittingly causing a near-miss or an actual head-on collision.

When will the Park implement a process to eliminate, by some estimates, lost revenue of over $100,000 per year in uncollected fees from these motorists?  According to Park Leadership, when the kiosks are not staffed, many motorists never stop to pay. State Parks could utilize that revenue to save lives of cyclists and enhance the experience of all visitors to the Park.

When will the Park implement and publish an accurate count of cyclists entering via the North and South Gates? Publishing true and accurate Free Day Use (cyclist) historical data is essential for many reasons; it is important for State Parks and elected officials when making informed budgetary decisions.

When will the software license agreement that GOGovApps (Mount Diablo App) sent to State Parks on 2/9/2018 be approved?  It's a free usage agreement for 6 months that would give State Parks adequate time to conduct a no-risk evaluation.

Below is a list of additional safety concerns, ideas and suggested projects. We look forward to working with State Parks to establish a completion date for each project, and then to getting started.

• Review CVC:
• 21202 - "substandard width lane is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane,"
• 21760 - "3ft Rule"
• 21460 - "crossing double parallel solid yellow lines"
• Establish Policy for individuals/companies to donate money and/or sponsor a Bike Turnout
• Establish Policy to display names of individuals/companies who donate money and/or sponsor a Bike Turnout (small sign or donation/sponsorship plaque in Summit building
• Analyze all Traffic Collision Reports 2015 to Present
• Google Map all (160+) Traffic Collision Reports from 2010 to Present
• Publish Traffic Collision Reports (2010-Present) on CHP, State Wide Integrated Traffic Reporting System (SWITRS) and Traffic Injury Mapping System (TIMS)
• Require that a Park Ranger be on Duty and in the Park when the Park is open
• Publish Park Ranger Vehicle Pursuit Policy
• Publish Non-Emergency phone number (916) 358-0333 for Near-Miss Collisions, Road Hazards or Unlawful activities. Post in Park, on Web Site, Facebook page and in Park Visitor handouts).
• Encourage Park Rangers to ride a bike on a weekend day from the Summit down the mountain to understand what cyclists experience
• Conduct Motorist and Cyclists Surveys
• Publish letter to Strava requesting removal of all descending "King of the Mountain" (KOMs)
• Implement MDSP Educational Letters per CHP Standards
• Create Public Service Announcements for cyclists and motorists
• Publish the Junction Bulletin board schedule
• Install three Mountain Bike Repair Stations (Eagle Scout Project)
• Participate in the Annual Cyclist Safety Event at the Summit

Mount Diablo Cyclists looks forward to collaborating with California State Parks to improve safety for cyclists and motorists on the roads of Mount Diablo State Park. 

Sincerely, Gregg Sorensen, MD, Alan Kalin COL, USA (Ret)

Cc: Senator Steven Glazer, District 7, Assembly Member Catharine Baker, District 16, Lisa Mangat, Director California State Parks, Liz McGuirk, Chief Deputy Director, Gloria Sandoval, Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Marivel Barajas, Deputy Director, Legislative Affairs, Jason De Wall, Northern Division Chief, Vince Anibale, District Superintendent (Acting) Bay Area District, Ryen Goering, Contra-Solano Sector Superintendent, Rory Allen, Staff Attorney

Mount Diablo Cyclists Leadership Meeting: April 6, 2018

The Leadership Team of Mount Diablo Cyclists held their monthly meeting on April 6, 2018.  The information below highlights our current progress toward increasing safety for cyclists and motorists on the roads of Mount Diablo.

Bike Turnouts - Creating Bike Turnouts is one of our two top priorities.  MDC leadership strongly believes that Bike Turnouts will save lives and reduce injuries.  13 Bike Turnouts have been constructed or painted to date; 64 additional turnouts were proposed by MDSP leadership in 2017.  These have not yet been approved by State Parks.  We need to enlist support using the change.org petition, letters to State Parks from as many cyclists as possible, and via the leverage provided by our elected officials and the media.  This method was successful in 2015 in the installation of the double-yellow centerline and the advisory signs, and should be successful in this campaign for additional Bike Turnouts.

Verbal Motorist Safety Advisory - Providing a brief but thorough VMSA to all drivers is our other top priority.  The two entrance Kiosks are staffed less than half of the hours that the Park is open.  Therefore, thousands of motorists enter the Park every year without the opportunity to hear the VMSA from a Park Aide.  State Parks has been aware of this situation for over 10 years.  They are also aware that full staffing would easily pay for itself with the increased number of fees collected.  MDC has proposed several solutions for this issue to Park leadership over the past 2 years.  No significant change has been made.

Additional Motorist Survey - an enhanced survey form has been developed, and will be used at the Summit in the near future.  Our goal is to obtain responses from an additional 100 drivers before Sept 1^st.

GOREQUEST App - State Parks requested that the Report Issue function be removed, as they were not willing to acknowledge a report.  This was done.  (If you have not yet tried this app, at least to check weather conditions at the Summit, you should!)

MDC Website - Latest Update tab will contain current information that will be permanently located under the appropriate tab.  Results of surveys, letters to and from State Parks officials and more will be available.

Upcoming Meetings:  The MDC Leadership Team will continue to meet monthly.  We will also meet in May or June with representatives from the offices of State Senator Steven Glazer, State Assemblywoman Catharine Baker, and State Assemblyman Tim Grayson.

Letter to Lisa Mangat, Director California State Parks and Recreation Department (We have not received a reply)  

Dear Ms. Mangat,                                                                                  April 5, 2018

https://youtu.be/eL8e8liKBsc

According to a Public Records Act Request: North and South Gate Kiosks were Not Staffed during the following hours that the Park was open between 8am and sunset for 2016 & 2017

• It is also unfortunate, according to Park leadership, most of these motorists who enter the Park before the kiosks are open do not stop to pay the entrance fee.
• In addition, there is nobody to make change, answer questions or give directions.
• The Park frequently opens the gates between 7:15- 7:30am. On many weekdays, Park Aides are not on duty at the North or South Gate Kiosks at all, or arrive at 10AM.  Even on weekend days, when the kiosks are staffed at 8AM, there is still a gap of 30-45minutes when motorists may enter the Park before an Aide is on duty.
• Therefore, thousands of drivers enter the Park every year without hearing the mandatory Verbal Motorists Safety Advisory. Thus they are unaware of the difficult nature of the roads, and the fact that many cyclists will be sharing those roads with them.
• According to the Bay Area News Group, there have been "countless Near-Misses."
• According to a Channel 7 news story some cyclists report (10/23/15), "near-misses every third ride."
• We believe there are significantly more Near-Miss Collisions on days when the Kiosks are not staffed and the Verbal Motorists Safety Advisory is not given to drivers.
• We have discussed the staffing and Near-Miss Collision issues with Park Leadership since 2014.

MDC Junction Display Removed and Disassembled!

We cannot express how disappointed we were to find out on Saturday (2/17/18), that the Supervising Ranger returned to work after ten days leave and arbitrarily removed, and disassembled the Mount Diablo Cyclists Display at the Junction Ranger Station. The MDC Display had been approved by Park Leadership on 2/5/17 for the months of February and March.

In addition, without our permission, the Supervising Ranger used our poster in his display (photo below), covering up michaeln294.sg-host.com. Which gave the impression that State Parks created and funded the Mount Diablo Bike Descending Technique Poster!

The Definition of Interpretive: serving to instruct or enlighten or inform, which is exactly the purpose of the MDC display! In addition, the synonyms for interpretive: graphic, explanative, illustrative and instructive describe the MDC display!

Mount Diablo Cyclists Display

Supervising Ranger Display

We submitted a Public Records Act Request to California State Parks on April 12, 2016.

It took 18 months, King & Spalding LLP and a possible lawsuit to finally receive 49 Traffic Collision Reports (2014 to 10/23/17)

We were told by Park Leadership in 2016; "we made a mistake giving you the 112 Traffic Collision Reports for 2010 to 2014. We will not provide any more Traffic Collision Reports for Mount Diablo State Park." Unfortunately, it took 18 months and the Law Firm of King & Spalding sending a letter to State Parks; "No later than close of business on Friday, October 20, 2017, please confirm you will comply with the above requests. Although we wish to resolve this matter amicably, we will initiate court proceedings to enforce, Mr.*** right to obtain copies of the requested records." (We will publish the analysis soon). (See the King & Spalding letter below)

Here's one of the New Bike Turnouts being used. by two cyclists! Turn up the volume and enjoy the music in the car as it passes two cyclists on a Blind Curve! Special Thanks to all the members of Mount Diablo Cyclists for supporting Bike Turnouts on Mount Diablo!

https://youtu.be/tSQJ-X7VfyY

Feb 1, 2018 was a historic day on Mount Diablo!

Ten Bike Turnouts were installed/painted: Total cost $5,000!

Special Thanks to State Senator Glazer, Assemblywoman Baker, Ryen Goering and Monte Rowan for their leadership to install Bike Turnouts on Mount Diablo! We now have 13 Bike Turnouts on Mount Diablo. According to Ryen Goering, Park Superintendent and Monte Rowan, Chief of Maintenance: "This is just the beginning. We are in the planning stages to install up to 64 more paved Bike Turnouts and we hope to send these plans up to Sacramento for approval." We have a long way to go, but with your continued support Bike Turnouts will be installed on Mount Diablo. Thanks for all your advice and support to improve the safety for cyclists and motorists on Mount Diablo!

https://youtu.be/WDa87XH80tI

"Shami 500th!" Joe Shami (83yrs young) completed his 500th consecutive weekly ride up Mount Diablo on Jan 14th. That's every week for the last 9 yrs and 32 weeks! Joe talked the entire way as he visited with over 50 cyclists who accompanied him. It was a very special day on the mountain. You meet the nicest people on Mount Diablo.

https://youtu.be/ZUHIEQ6cCGg

News Years Day 2018 on Mount Diablo! Approximately 700-800 cyclists rode up the mountain! WOW! The majority of vehicles were bicycles! Great day and perfect weather for the 1st Annual MDSP Safety Event! Special Thanks to the Park staff, volunteers and all the visitors who rode, walked or drove up to the Summit! You meet the nicest people on Mount Diablo!

https://youtu.be/1m9mP2hkuBo

Dec 11, 2017: Mount Diablo Cyclists and California State Parks had an outstanding meeting concerning Bike Turnouts on Mount Diablo! We all agreed; the 10 Bike Turnouts with existing pavement need to be painted ASAP. In the mean time; please use these Bike Turnouts, move right, spin and allow vehicles to safely pass you. Special Thanks to Ryen, Vince and Monte for their collaboration to improve the safety for cyclists and motorists on Mount Diablo! Together, we are reducing injuries and collisions! (photo: Monte Rowan, Gregg Sorensen, Ryen Goering, Vince Anibale, and Al Kalin)

MDSP/MDC Meeting Summary (Mitchell Canyon Office)(Dec 11, 2017)

1. Bike Turnouts

• 3 paved Pilot Bike Turnouts; 10 Paint-Only Bike Turnouts
• Painting - MDSP awaiting third bid; target date 1/31/18
• Signs: Ordered; additional "Bike Turnout Ahead" signs will be placed where appropriate
• Maintenance - MDSP may buy street blower; volunteers can manually sweep - MDSP Maintenance will coordinate
• Publicity - MDC will use website and social media to strongly encourage use of Bike Turnouts. MDSP will use website and advise motorists directly at kiosks (see below)
• Survey - MDSP will survey Park visitors to include questions regarding effectiveness of Bike Turnouts
• Future Bike Turnouts - MDSP studying identified locations that would require grading and paving, and exploring funding sources

2. Verbal Motorist Safety Advisory

• A revised VMSA was drafted. MDSP will finalize and distribute soon to kiosk staffers.
• Kiosk staffers will be instructed in optimal, personal delivery of the new message
• MDSP will prepare large signs displaying the VMSA or similar safety messaging to post at each kiosk, particularly for motorists who enter when the kiosk is not staffed

3. Kiosk Staffing

• MDSP is actively recruiting Paid Park Aides and Volunteers
• Part-Time positions include partial shifts
• MDSP will post advertisements for Paid and Volunteer positions on the MDSP website and any social media platforms
• Recruitment is a challenge due to compensation that is significantly less than many entry-level jobs
• Additional locations for advertising were discussed: local shopping centers, libraries and businesses
• MDC will assist in advertising, using website and social media, and can help with distribution of recruitment material produced by MDSP or State Park

Dec 1, 2017: It's our great pleasure to share this letter from State Senator Steven Glazer and Assemblywoman Catharine Baker, concerning Bike Turnouts on Mount Diablo. Your elected representatives should be commended for their bipartisan leadership!

Over 3,000 Signatures on the Bike Turnout Petition! Please sign/share the change.org petition to install Bike Turnouts on the roads of Mount Diablo. 

Petition: Install Bike Turnouts on the roads of Mount Diablo