Mount Diablo State Park                                                                         

How to Report a Near-Miss Collision, Road Hazard or Unlawful Activities

Over the years, significant numbers of cyclists have reported aggressive motorists to park rangers. The park ranger usually says "there is nothing I can do unless I see it." As a result, the cyclist usually rides away still angry with the motorist who nearly hit him and disillusioned with the park ranger for his lack of concern for his safety.

We believe it's time to break this cycle and implement a MDSP Warning Letter Policy similar to the CHP Warning Letter Policy (PDF below). This would provide park rangers with an innovative and effective prevention tool to educate motorists, reduce aggressive driving behavior, near-miss collisions and actual collisions between Bikes vs. Vehicles.

CHP Warning Letters are used throughout the CHP Golden Gate Division and Contra Costa County Sheriff.  They have proven extremely effective, in reducing unsafe driving behavior.

Send an email to Clint Elsholz, Superintendent, Diablo Range District, clinton.elsholz@parks.ca.gov (916) 705-3022. Requesting a Warning Letter be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle observed driving in an unlawful manner. Send a copy to  Director Armando Quintero, California Department of Parks and Recreation armando.quintero@parks.cal.gov (Copy mountdiablocylists@yahoo.com

Immediately Call 911 to report an Unsafe Driver to Park Rangers

Tell the Park Ranger you wish to report an unsafe driver, and give them:

    • The license plate number
    • The location and time
    • A description of the behavior(s) you consider unsafe
    • Include photo or video if you have it
    • As many of the following as possible: vehicle make, model, and driver description
    • Your name, witness names(s) and phone number
    • Request that the Park Ranger locate and speak with the motorist in the Park
    • Request a CALL BACK FROM THE PARK RANGER TO REPORT WHAT HE/SHE SAID TO THE DRIVER