The city's survey of residents about what kind of trails would be most useful in Temecula showed that cycling is the No. 1 demand. The only problem, the city last surveyed cyclists in Temecula in 1991, when 24,000 people lived here. That was 20 years and 100,000 people ago.
1. What type of trail activities are you most
interested in?
Respondents were asked to check all categories
that applied to them from the list of seven activities.
The activity with the highest percentage was
cycling with 25 percent, followed closely by hiking/
walking with 23 percent. Running, power walking
and nature viewing had a participation level of
13 percent each, followed by skating/blading with
seven percent and equestrian with six percent.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
City updating master plan for bike trails
I was quoted in the Press Enterprise about the city updating its plan for bike trails/lanes. My comment was that the city could do more by adding simple amenities for cyclists -- buttons at stoplights mounted where cyclists can reach them, adjust the sensors so that they are triggered by bicycles, add some bike racks or push for businesses to add them, train police to respect cyclists' rights, educate youngsters about bicycle safety, add more on-street bike lanes -- rather than spend millions of dollars to build off street bike trails that you can't use to get anywhere around town, like to the supermarket to buy a few Cliff bars. My whole comment was condensed to "the city could do more," but all of the above is what I meant. You can read the whole story below. Cyclists need to contact the city about this plan. If you love off street trails, you should tell them so. If you think they are a waste, and would like to see more bike lanes, you should tell them. The city, as far as I know, didn't receive any input from cyclists on this plan. Maybe they should.
City updating master plan for bicycle lanes, trails
TEMECULA: Bikeway and trails map getting an update
10:00 PM PDT on Sunday, July 17, 2011
A map showing Temecula's bikeways and trails is about to get a makeover.City staff are revising the map, which is available for free at City Hall and on the city's website, www.cityoftemecula.org.
Community Services Director Herman Parker compared the effort to updating a reference book.
Frank Bellino / The Press-Enterprise
Adam Craighead, 30, of Winchester, walks his dogs on the multipurpose trail that runs behind Chaparral High School along Santa Gertrudis Creek in Temecula. City officials are updating the trails and bikeways maps.
Temecula has roughly 97 miles of bike lanes and 22 miles of trails, according to the city website.
Besides updating the map -- the current version lists the now-completed Murrieta Creek Trail as expected to open in early 2009 -- Parker said the city hopes to identify some walking routes, some of which use sidewalks.
The goal is to encourage residents to get out and walk, Parker said.
Harveston's trail in Temecula is to be included in a map update. The city has about 97 miles of bike lanes and 22 miles of trails, its website says.
"Most of the trails start in the middle of nowhere and go nowhere," he said. "They're not really connected."
Peoples said he'd like the city to do more to help cyclists, including adding more bike lanes.
He pointed out that vehicles blocked bike lanes leading to Temecula's Fourth of July festivities.
"There's a lot of other things (the city) could be doing," Peoples said.
Reach Jeff Horseman at 951-375-3727 or jhorseman@PE.com.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Cars parked in bike lanes on Fourth of July
Here is a letter from a Temecula cyclist to the city, and the city's response:
Wanted to let you all know of a situation I had with a City of Temecula officer on the 4th of July. We live near a lookout point for the annual firework show and wanted to ride our bikes there as a family. Every year people begin parking in the bike lane around 6:00pm. This year I decided to notify the police of the issue and see what we could do about it.
In short the officer responded, told the offending people that they shouldn't park there, but didn't make them move or cite them. I spoke with the officer and while he knew their actions were illegal he seemed to brush off my concerns for our safety as cyclists. There are typically 75-100 cars that park on the hill and when they leave it is really chaotic. This is a residential area not fit for the kind of traffic volume it sees on the 4th.
We ended up not riding there and instead watched from our street, even though we couldn't see the fireworks as well. I understand that this is a once a year issue, but the message it sends to motorists is one that says…as long as it's only temporary I can park anywhere. The officer even told me that when he spoke with the motorists they showed him their HOA cards and since they were residents and leaving soon that it was okay. The first cars started parking around 6:00 like I said and the cars didn't leave until 9:30. That isn't temporary. I told him that I completely disagree and that it since it only affects a few people doesn't make it right.
I did ride to the bottom on the hill after the show and watched as car after car came down the hill, clogging both the bike lane and the lane of traffic. I have several videos I would be willing to share if you are interested.
For reference the location I'm concerned with is Honors Drive between Vardon and Margarita Rd. in Temecula 92591.
In my opinion parking in the bike lane needs to be taken more seriously in Temecula. I ride a bike almost everywhere in Temecula and while there are often bike lanes to use, there are often cars parked in them. It only forces me into traffic which is usually traveling at a much greater speed than myself. Not always, but at times cars will honk, yell, or pass extremely close as they do not understand that I have the right to full use of the lane.
I am looking forward to a positive solution for this issue and would welcome any of you to join me on a ride to show you the conditions in and around Temecula.
Thank you for your time.
Zak Schwank
Here is the city's response:
Mr. Schwank, I want to thank you for your email outlining your concerns regarding the parking issues during the July 4th festivities in and around Ronald Reagan Park. As was obvious, this event, with the conclusion of a fireworks display draws not only a generous representation of Temecula citizens but also attendees from other municipalities. The attendance was even more profound with the removal of other events from neighboring cities. As a result, our parking lots and streets become inundated with additional vehicles. Due to the impact of these vehicles, parking for this event certainly came at a premium. As a result, the city must weigh the impact of this event with the impact it will have on its citizens. For the Temecula Police Department we have two options. The letter of the law dictates that all those vehicles parked illegally should be subject to a parking citation. In the case of the incidents you raised, that at a minimum would have resulted in a roughly $35.00 ticket to 75-100 vehicles. The citations would be legitimate, however the perception would be the city used this event as a tool to generate money in the form of fees and fines. The second option is to view the circumstances under the spirit of the law. We understand that our vehicular traffic is going to jump and that a mass amount of persons are going to try and congregate in a centralized location. Therefore it is understandable to a point that there would not be adequate parking for all of these vehicles and it is likely that vehicles may park in the bicycle lane. Each year at events such as this and others, an assessment is conducted to try and determine what things can be improved and what changes can be done. These suggestions are presented to the city and to Temecula Police Department management in an effort to minimize the negative impact for all citizens. I understand and respect your frustration on this day and I will address this with representatives from the City of Temecula to see what may be done. Consideration could be made which may result in the stringent enforcement of the vehicle code as to parking, riding a bicycle on the sidewalk or the wrong side of the roadway, pedestrian issues, etc. The opposite also is possible that consideration may be made to suspend enforcement of parking related infractions during events where the crowd expectancy may outnumber available parking. All potential scenarios will and should be considered. I again appreciate your concern and I apologize that it had a negative affect on your July 4th celebration. I will bring up these issues at our July 4th debriefing with staff and city officials. Regards, Lt. Ron Heim Temecula Police Department Traffic Division 30755-A Auld Road Murrieta, Ca. 92563 (951) 696-3000
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