Coastal Trail in Crescent City, Ca – a wonderful place to enjoy (images and thoughts)

Anyone whom lives in the Humboldt Bay region will know the Bay Trail is a high priority project, and Eureka is moving full force on completing the waterfront trail. In fact soon to be constructed non-motorized projects are happening all around us! Though our friends to the north already have a coastal trail in Crescent City. A new portion of the Crescent City coastal trail has been getting discussion recently in the Humboldt Bay region. Perhaps you listen to the Happy Trails show on KHUM radio? Well readers here requested a closer look at the new trail, and you will get that in this article, plus more. In the summer of 2015 the trail will be constructed to extend further south to South Beach.

(Click on red markers on the map for short notes about the trail location tags)

This was just a wonderful visit, and I intend to as usual share some great images with you! I drove up from Arcata, then parked at the Citizens Dock Rd. boat basin, next to the harbor. At this point I rode my bicycle to enjoy the views along the trail, and around the harbor district. If you are in the Humboldt Bay area, or passing through the Crescent City area, it is well worth a coastal trail visit!

Things to do – Lots of things to do along the coastal trail in Crescent City :

* Restaurants – seafood establishments surround the Harbor district. Both along Citizens Dock Rd. and Anchor Way. Also just across the 101 by the new section of trail, you have various food choices as well. As you go further north on the trail, signs exist to point you towards shops in town.

* Along the trail is the local chamber of commerce (always a great resource for local information), Community pool, a public library, childrens playgrounds, waterfront parks, plenty of places to put your feet in the sand or the Ocean, disc golf, B Street Pier, a Jetty, benches, picnic tables, South beach is easy to access by the harbor district(watch surfers at South Beach), and just in general unlimited enjoyment! You’ll be sure to find more as you walk/bike along the path. You can also find a skate park only a few blocks away from the trail.

From Citizens Dock Rd to Battery Point lighthouse the paved multi user trail is about 1.5 miles long (one way). So it is very enjoyable for both walks, and easy bicycle rides alike.

Harbor/boat basin images –

Learn about the Harbor district history here.  In recent years the harbor was reconstructed due to being totally destroyed by a tsunami in 2011. Let’s look at some harbor, and boat basin images :

boat basin

Cool bicycle racks can be found around the harbor!

Octopus bicycle rack

Tuna bicycle rack

Sheltered areas can be found during foul weather.

Inviting art to make you smile !

I loved viewing the seals, and sea lions around the Harbor.  Learn more about that here, on good viewing sites.

Find picnic tables near auto parking at the boat basin.

Signs of partnerships –

I enjoyed the harbor before getting on the trail.  Be sure to ride around Citizens Dock Rd. and Anchor Way area. Lots of enjoyable things to see!

In this image we are looking south from Anchor Way to the South Beach area –

Trail images –

The new portion of the trail can be found on Citizens Dock Rd. by the boat basin parking lot.

At the north end of the boat basin the trail heads towards Sunset Cr.

I like the lights along this portion of the trail !

Sunset Cr. access point –

Now just turn onto Sunset Cr. a quiet/short road, that will connect with more of the Coastal Trail.

Heading further north along the trail –

Along the Beachfront Park area –

Howe Drive Park –

B Street Pier –

The end of the Trail by Battery Point lighthouse –

Accessing the lighthouse is tidal dependant. So if you want to enjoy the lighthouse up close, be sure to visit during low tide!

Looking south from B Street. The trail would be to the left of the image, and the harbor can be seen in the distance.

This was a wonderful visit, on a beautiful sunny day! I would really encourage folks to take full advantage of the Crescent City portion of the Coastal Trail! A walk/bicycle ride will be a slice of heaven. Multiple places are available for auto parking if you are traveling from outside of Crescent City. So you have plenty of options on your starting point.

I’m sure Crescent City would love to have you visit. Be sure to enjoy a meal, or check out the nearby shops, that can be found very close to the trail corridor!

The Del Norte County, California Coast, in Crescent City is a great place to visit!

Humboldt Underground Bicycle Repair – one year anniversary and super happy customers

photo credit – Humboldt Underground Bicycle Repair Facebook page

 

Humboldt Underground Bicycle Repair is a wonderful local success story. Located at 3525 Redwood Drive in Redway. Owners – Jacob Todd and James Seiberlich. Some of our local readers may remember the boys working at Revolution bicycles in Arcata in years past. Well they are full steam ahead with the Underground doors open for one year now !

Happy customers and experienced mechanics – Earlier in the spring I had the pleasure to visit the shop in person. I saw two customers while visiting, and they were super happy customers at that. Humboldt Underground has a fully stocked shop of tools for any job. You name it, they have the tools, and the mechanical experience to do a great job, on whatever work you need done. Although 80% of the work they do in shop is on off-road bicycles, they can tend to any style bicycle you need repairs on.

Community – What I love about this shop is that they are helping to make a better community. They allow locals in Southern Humboldt to have a nearby source for bicycle repair, but so much more – making social connections for discussing such things as trail advocacy ideas. A meetup spot of sorts for riders to connect for the next big gravel grinder ride. It’s the “chamber of commerce” of bicycle culture in Southern Humboldt. The boys (Jacob and James) have volunteered community time at the Tour of the Unknown Coast. Most notably the boys have teamed up with Bureau of Land Management to further open discussions on more trails in southern Humboldt. Having more trails will further the fun factor for local riders, and improve bicycle tourism in our area. By offering more diversity in riding for people from out of the area to come use our trails, and contribute to the local economy.

One year in Business –  It’s amazing how time flies.  It was May 13, 2013 that the doors open. Jacob says “the community response to our business has been wonderful”. Humboldt Underground Bicycle Repair has become a very busy shop.  It’s great to see an area that previously had no bicycle shops, now have a space for repairs and social bicycle culture. (Updated) Congratulations boys –

Image from HUBR Facebook page

Jacob inside the shop, working on a bicycle ! Photo credit – Chris Butner

Upcoming benefit for Kings Paradise – The boys, and the community have worked hard with BLM, and they want your help. Come celebrate in beautiful Garberville on Sat. May 24th .  Grant money is already on the table from BLM to help further outdoor recreational activities in Southern Humboldt.  This benefit show is to work towards matching the grant funding. Come on down to the sunny weather, and show your support in raising money ! You’ll have a great time with live music, circus tent, bicycle films, bicycle demos, food, drinks, and much more ! Here is the Facebook event page. See the event advertisement below………

How to connect with Humboldt Underground Bicycle Repair –

3525 Redwood Drive – Redway, CA
707-923-1000
humunderground<at>gmail.com
Humboldt Underground on Facebook

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Mobility Video Friday – 2/8/14

In nearby Eureka we the multiuser Hikshari trail (It’s been about a year since the grand opening).  It’s been a real success story for Eureka, with more trail coming in the near future. These trails area focused to have waterfront access.  This video below shares some of the story of the welcoming Hikshari trail.

UPDATES – Arcata buffered bicycle lanes

Back in November of 2013 I posted an article about buffered bicycle lanes in Arcata. These were the first of its kind to be installed in our area.  In that article I offered ideas on suggestions on improving the new bikeway.

I’ve procrastinated on posting an update on this project.  In the original article I discussed displeasure about automobiles parking in the buffered bicycle lane.  I am happy to say that the city did go back, and do more work.  They painted all the curbs red in area where parked cars interfered with the bike lane.  I’m also really happy to report since they did this work, automobile drivers have stopped parking in these areas, where the curbs have been painted red.  So it does not seem to be a problem anymore!

Valley West Blvd

The other problem I discussed was abrupt changes in the line of the bike lane.  Such as areas that had no automobile curb side parking, then the bike lane shifting left. To an area that did have automobiles parking next to the curb.  Again this would cause a shift in the bike lane.  The problem that still exists is that, it’s a very abrupt shift.

I’d like to see these shifts in the bike lane line be less abrupt.  So it is more smooth flowing for the bicycle rider.  They did add some directional arrows, which I feel is a good improvement (which you can see in the below image).  Though I really would like to see in the upcoming dry season.  They remove the marking that are abrupt, and replace them with something more “river flowing”.  These corrections only exist on Valley East, Valley West does not have this problem. On this photo below it’s really great to see the apartment complex residents not parking cars in the newly painted red curbs!  Thanks residents for showing respect to the new street infrastructure.

Valley East Blvd – after red curb paint treatment

same location as above image. Without red curb paint treatment

I wanted to thank the city for making these needed improvements.  I really hope to see more improvements made in the upcoming summer months as discussed above.  The last time I discussed this with Doby Class from Arcata public works, he said “I’ll look at the site again when I’m in the area, and see about minor changes to the stripping in the summer”.

Thanks Doby, and to the rest of the hard-working folks in Arcata public works department.  It was nice to see Doby recently in December 2013 asking the city council (starts in archived video at 1:48:33, if you would like to watch the presentation) to Consider Adopting Resolution No. 134-32, Adopting the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban Bikeway Design Guide and Urban Street Design Guide Description.

It was very pleasant to see the city council adopt 134-32.  Thanks for the councils support on this item, and keep up the great work in the public works department!

Hammond Trail Images and more !

I’ve had some readers express interest in Hammond Trail pictures, being posted here.  I noticed looking on the internet, it was hard to find a centralized place with Hammond trail pictures.  So let’s fix that, now! This will be a great place for new residents in our area, or visitors who want to get a sense of what the trail looks like.  Also if you’re new to walking, or riding a bicycle – I’ve included mileage signs to help you plan your trip!

My bicycle trip started in downtown Arcata.  I headed through the Arcata Bottom, and north to the Clam beach.  So you’re getting  various images throughout the trail.  I hope you enjoy the images, and that it inspires you to enjoy this valuable resource!

We will begin with an Arcata Bottom image………

Ready to see the trail?

Below is the Arcata view of the Mad River bridge –

Now the McKinleyville side view –

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I have found through finding inspiration through the internet, and other communities – trails like this are a huge benefit!  Both to health of residents who use the trail, and these trails can bring economic benefits as well.

Trails like this encourage people to be more active, and allow more interaction with your neighbors. With Groups like Humboldt Trails Council it can also build stronger community to help maintain the trails.  We can’t forget about non-profits like RCAA who do an awesome job in helping to find, and secure funding for resources like this!

I encourage folks to use Roger’s Market at School Rd.  One of the things on my wishlist is for Roger’s market to install a bicycle fix it station.  This would not only be very helpful to bicycle users, but it would greatly draw more riders into the store(guaranteed).  Here is one example of a bicycle fix it station. These are becoming more popular outside of Humboldt in both urban, and rural areas.  As it enhances bicycle friendliness at various businesses, universities, or city parks.  I do wonder if grants are available to assist the Roger’s store in securing such a station that would benefit the public, and the store. Possibly convince the store owners making a station purchase would benefit an increase in sales.  More bicycle rack parking would also be good at this location.  What do you think about that?

Also the Holiday Inn next to the airport offers bicycle rentals(easily accessible to the trail).  Look for a future article on more details of these bicycle rentals.  A weekend retreat, or perfect for a out of towner using the airport, and the Holiday Inn.

It would also be great to see more business along the Hammond trail, but real estate for this type of expansion seems limited.  I’d love a small coffee shop with outdoor seating right next to the trail!  Well we can dream, and hope!
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I hope you have enjoyed this post at complete streets advocate!  Very soon I will be sharing ideas with you on how to use multi use paths like the Hammond trail safely with all trail users.

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Related articles on this site, you may also enjoy –

Hikshari trail, and great info on future Eureka waterfront trail development

Bicycles and ice cream in Mckinleyville

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Questions, or comments for me?  Feel free to contact Chris by sending me a message to chris.butner<at>completestreetsadvocate.org

A closer look at Hikshari Trail (Elk River Access Area), and an upcoming waterfront trail event reminder

I thought that it would be fun to share with our readers some pics, and my thoughts after riding the trail.  For those not familiar this is a brand new paved trail in Eureka, CA and found just south of the Bayshore Mall.

My day started out in Arcata, and I choose to do a bike/bus transit trip to Eureka.  Getting off at the first stop in Eureka – I headed directly for the Old Town area, and my first stop was lunch at Los Bagels(conveniently locking my bike at the rack out front of Los Bagels).  

After taking care of my tummy it was time to head towards Palco marsh, and traveled behind the Bayshore Mall to heads towards the trail.

The first thing I noticed at the Truelsdale Vista Point was a full parking lot of cars. This was on a very sunny nice winter Friday afternoon.  So it was clear that I was not the only one planning to enjoy the new trail on a beautiful afternoon day!

More thoughts on the Truelsdale Vista Point – This is a nice area along the water front!  A nice kiosk board with various information about the trail, and general area.  Picnic tables for folks to enjoy before, or after using the trail – although a great spot just to come sit and relax.  Seen in the pic below to the left a few mothers, and their children had just returned from a walk along the trail – the children(and dog) were all really enjoying the water and rocks along edge.  If your with your bike you have access to parking racks if you choose to leave your bike behind to walk away from the trail to let’s say visit the nearby restaurant.  At the start of your trail visit be sure to check out the great kiosk board telling you about the trail, and general area.

 

Heading south now along the trail I just rode my bicycle along slowly, and enjoyed the wonderful day outside.  Very nice views of the waterfront to enjoy, and take in to help relax your mind (as you can see below).  I rode about 1.5 miles each way on this trail, and it was v

The trail was very active this sunny weekday afternoon, and you could tell everyone was on high spirits along this new trail.  I saw a rainbow of trail users of bikers, runners, walkers, roller skaters, strollers, mothers, children, fathers, middle-aged, young at heart, and we can’t forget the doggies leashed with their owners(good to see folks keeping dogs restrained to not cause problems with other trail users).  So as you can see it is most certainly a popular multi use trail!  It was nice to see the doggie stations with baggies placed at various locations along the trail.

The trail had a number of parking lots, and bike racks at various locations.  A parking lot at each end of trail – one at Truesldale, and the other at the park and ride (very southern end).  As well some mid way parking lots – One with ample parking(which was 3/4 full when I passed it) and another smaller lot that looked like they were still doing some project work in that area.

During the mid part of the trail you have a nice meandering trail with vegetation all around.  Giving you a very pleasant feeling of being away from town, and offering more of a park like setting.  I found in most areas the trail to have a good width to accommodate many users.  In general I’m not a big fan of multi use trail as sometimes you can come into conflicts with other trail users.  With the hearty widths in most areas I found it an ease to alert other of my approaching on a bicycle to pass by.

I did have one part of the trail I was not that excited about that had a rather narrow right of way(as seen in the picture below).

Now mind you I did not get off my bicycle to measure the width of this part of the trail above.  However with the chain link fence to the right, and the higher curb to the left the trail felt more narrow at this section(this may not have been the case, though).  I was not fond of the old chain link fence, and thought updating it with something more appealing to the eye would be much more pleasant.   Most certainly this is not part of Eureka’s right of way, and likely something they don’t have control over.

I also was a little bothered by the higher curb to the opposite side of the trail – in regards to it physically reducing heavier trail traffic flow.  I suppose I’m most concerned that on days of high trail traffic this will be a “one lane” row for each direction.  Not that this is a problem, but perhaps bike wheels or pedestrians may run into the curb fall/trip.  I would have preferred more of a sidewalk style through this section to allow folks to step down and not have to step over in a high trail traffic situations.  Currently the curb blends in very well with the trail, and road(as all our black).  I’m thinking a good safety improvement could be to paint the curb another color to draw more attention to it of trail users.  In the short term it would be great to see the curb painted another color, and explore some street traffic calming at this portion of the road.  Both items helping to improve things a bit more from a safety standpoint.

Also perhaps even consider some bicycle infrastructure sharing the road to possibly allow, or encourage bikes using the road for this section.  The road next to the trail I’m not familiar with though I assume it is a low volume automobile road.  The trail/road is certainly not designed for this variation at this time, but it is just a thought considering this part of trail as somewhat of a “bottleneck”.  Just feeling like this could be a conflict area with high trail traffic like bicycle handle bars catching chain link fence, or pedestrians tripping on curb(when sharing the trail on a heavy use day).  Alternatively bring more attention at each end of this part of the trail.  Somehow bring more awareness of caution through the constricted stretch of trail.  This part of the trail is my only criticism really, and I understand this is a narrow right of way – with a unique segment here with public road/private property than squeezing the trail in between.  I certainly wonder though if things could be tweaked a bit just to fine tune it a little more before some conflict occurs down the road.

Aside from my thoughts above I thought overall it was an awesome trail, and an excellent job well done.  I’d rate the trail an 8 out of 10 – deducting two points for the tricky section of trail as discussed above.  It is really awesome to see this addition for local residents to enjoy this new segment of trail!  I’d like to really give a big thumbs up to everyone whom participated in making this trail become a reality! I’m also aware of plans that the city has to further expand waterfront trail-ways, and so residents will have even more to look forward to in the future!

Let’s talk about the users of the trail a little more as this is another important element.  As I rode back heading north I interacted with a number of trail users, and all had great things to say about the trail.  I think in general folks are just delighted to have access to the trail, and it was clear everyone was very excited about it.

I finished off the trail ride by having a beer at the Shamus T-bones.  Having spoken with the bartender he was feeling confident more customers were coming in due to the new trail.  This showing economic benefits on more reasons on why these trails play an important role in our communities!

My last thoughts are on a broader scope looking outside the trail project area.  Mostly focusing my comments towards city of Eureka, and although I don’t want to dive in too deep at this time.  I feel it is  important to convey my thoughts for others to explore these ideas as well.  I’m just disappointed with the lack of bicycle infrastructure on city streets.  Having the city put more focus on these waterfront trails I feel the time has come to improve the bike-ability of Eureka.  You can see many people have driven their cars to use the trail.  However I want to see more people riding bikes to the trail, and around town choosing to leave a car at home.  I asked people along the trail if they would be supportive of Eureka adding more bicycle infrastructure, and the message from all was a clear “yes” we support those ideas.  Having a more bike friendly city will draw more bicycle riders to the area.  This will help ease automobile congestion, increase tourism, create a more healthy community by reducing automobile emissions, and just in general make folks more active.

In closing Eureka has many neighborhoods with plenty of options to create a healthy bicycle boulevard network(as one example on how to create an improved bicycle-friendly city).  This network could tie in with trails, Old town, other shopping areas, city parks, etc. Eureka most certainly has real estate options to make this work, and I really want to encourage our residents to open up this conversation with Eureka .  Don’t be afraid to talk with city employees, city council, transportation safety committee, advocacy groups, and your neighbors to make this become a reality.  The residents of the area deserve to help in creating more live-able streets!  When will the city realize this is in the best interest of the community?
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Related article – on Hikshari trail from RCAA
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Upcoming  bicycle event on future waterfront trails in Eureka –

Humboldt Trails Council will be hosting a bicycle ride event on Saturday February 9, 2013.  This time they will be riding around downtown Eureka and discussing the Eureka Waterfront Trail Development Project with Host’s Merritt Perry, HTC Board Member and Miles Slattery from the City of Eureka before ending up at the NEW Sirens Song Tavern for Drinks and H’orderves!

Visit Humboldt Trails Council website, or on the facebook event page.
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Highlighted articles –

Learn about future Eureka waterfront trail expansion.

Visit my post about the Hammond Trail

Check out pictures of the high profile rail line on Eureka/Arcata safety corridor

Learn about the bike kitchen in Eureka, CA