School Road improvement project – Mckinleyville, CA (a closer look with images included)

Some folks have asked if I would share images of the new School road project, and curious of what my observations were of the project.

On the eastern end from Central Ave to Washington blvd, School road had no changes. You have a standard bicycle lane on this section.

The western end from Rogers market by Fischer road down to the end of School road by Ocean Drive. This section of road does not have any existing bicycle lane, however the School Road Trail does exist, as it has for some time. As seen in the image below.

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

If you go to the very western end of the School road trail. You will find a public access trail that will lead you to the Mad River. Check out this area if you have not already! No bicycle rack is at the end of the trail, but some street signs are nearby to lock your bicycle to a secure pole. I would love to see the county install a bicycle rack at the trailhead! This image below shows the beginning of trail with the river in the background.

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

Looking east up the School road trail, seen below. Check out the short pathway, if you have not already. A great side trip if you are already on the Hammond trail!

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

Another section of School road that had no changes during the improvement project was the highway 101 overpass area.  This would be within the State right-of-way, so not within Humboldt County public right-of-way. The School road project was completed within the Humboldt County right-of-way.

Washington Ave to Windsor Ave –

In general the road was widened, and a added median in the center of roadway. This section did get a new bicycle lane which it did not have previously. I did find this section to be more enjoyable, as compared to the previous design, from a bicyclists standpoint.  This area also received pedestrian improvements with new sidewalks. This area also received some utility work improvements.

Here is a picture of the new bicycle lane below going west towards the highway 101. As you can see this area has no shoulder automobile parking going west.  With the “no parking in bike lane” sign. I would like to see the County paint the curb a red color, to further highlight no parking. Some areas in the westerly direction towards town have street-side automobile parking next to the bike lane.

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

A round-about is a significant new feature along the street-scape, located just west of the highway 101. Bicycle lanes on School road are only on the east side of the round-about, in both directions.

Below is an image of the round-about looking west –

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

On the perimeter of the round-about the curbs have rounded edges to allow for larger size vehicles etc. –

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

Typically, bicycle travel in a round-about it is best to just take the lane. This allows you to not get squeezed by motor vehicles. I always take the lane when I bicycle through a round-about. Although I had a new experience with this on the school road round-about traveling in the easterly direction up the hill. Since the curb design was so rounded, allowing easy access to the sidewalk.  I found it much more natural to just roll up on the sidewalk to follow the round-about uphill. Since my uphill speed was so slow, it just seemed more comfortable to remove myself from the shared traffic lane. Going down hill taking the lane was comfortable, since my speed was more with the flow of auto traffic.

To the west of the round-about is a shared roadway.  No bicycle lane exists, the County decided to use sharrows.  I assume the right-of-way through this section was limited. So they could not widen the road to include a bicycle lane. Learn more here about how sharrows are defined.

Image below is looking west on the sharrow –

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

Sharrow looking east –

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

In Europe such as places like Amsterdam they don’t use the term sharrow.  It’s just a shared, or mixed use roadway, with no special signage or road markings.  However what I really like is that any shared road always has a reduced speed limit, so essentially automobiles/bicycles are all traveling at the same speed (usually around 20 mph). I find the European mobility mindset to make a lot of sense! I’m saddened that most US road engineers don’t incorporate these ideas into US shared roadways, such as sharrows.  These shared roadways would be much more safe if we could reduce the speed limit, just a little! This is what it will take for more families to ride bicycles, kids riding/walking to school, and in general getting more citizens to feel safe with non-motorized travel.

In general more crosswalks have been incorporated into School road, a wonderful improvement for pedestrians. Below is just one example –

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

At the intersection of School road and Fischer, below. You can see a separated sidewalk on the right side of image. At the top of that is the Hammond Trail. So this is a nice improvement for trail users to cross School road. On the left of this image is the School Road Trail, discussed earlier in this article. I really like the improvements at this intersection!

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

Here is an alternate view below, looking at Fischer from the separated sidewalk. Continue south on the Hammond Trail, or take a side trip on the School Road Trail!

photo credit – Chris Butner/completestreetsadvocate.org

This concludes a closer look at the new School Road in Mckinleyville, CA. I hope you have enjoyed the images I have shared with you, and some of my thoughts on the new roadway.

Happy new year to all of you!  We all deserve safe mobility, no matter what our mode of transportation.
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Other articles you may enjoy reading –

bicycles and ice cream in Mckinleyville, CA

Hammond Trail Images

Mid-town Trail in Mckinleyville, CA

Bicycles and Ice Cream in Mckinleyville, CA

I’m a big fan of the hammond trail, and love to ride the trail from time to time on weekends.  In fact if you’re not familiar with the Hammond trail, be sure to visit my article with lots of images on what the trail looks like!  When I go on these bicycle rides I enjoy stopping at various businesses for a sandwich, coffee, etc.  I like to express in this manner how reasonable, and fun  it is to do such normal things by bicycle.  During the process it also allows me to evaluate road infrastructure, and if the business is bicycle friendly, or not.

So let’s get to the ice cream!  Certainly many of us can enjoy bicycles and ice cream!  That’s why when you’re on the Hammond trail you should consider making a stop at the Sweet Spot ice cream and sandwich shop in Mckinleyville.

The Sweet Spot serves Dryers ice cream, and various other items served(see the first image above).  I like in the ice cream section that they have many size options.  So if you just want to wet your whistle just a bit, rest assured a very small cup is waiting for you.  As well as larger sizes for the real ice cream lover, with lots of flavor options.  At this time I have not had any of the food items, or coffee – perhaps on my next visit.  During my short visit many customers had walked in to enjoy the menu options!

The indoor space has spacious floor area, and seating.  The far side has video games and a pool table for the children, and young at heart.  The service, and space in general was very friendly. Lots of windows next to the seating both on the street side, and parking lot side.  The business does not have any dedicated bicycle parking, so no racks to lock up to.  However the store has lots of windows right next to the seating.  This area is also away from the street side, and it is a low traffic area (not in downtown).  So my assessment is that you can feel comfortable with leaving your bikes next to the windows, and just keep an eye on them.

The store is .6 of a mile from the Hammond trail, so not far at all.  You simply head towards town from Hiller Park on Hiller road, cross over Mckinleyville  Ave, then the Sweet Spot is on the right side of the street (see on google maps).

Hiller road does not have a bicycle lane, however a mostly healthy width shoulder does exist for non motorized users.  Also it’s generally a fairly low volume roadway for automobile traffic(since it’s just outside the main part of town).  I find the automobile traffic that does exist to be friendly as they pass bicycle riders with plenty of space between us(since the shoulder generally allows). I certainly would urge families on the Hammond trail to give the Sweet Spot a visit by bike! Mckinleyville will see greater wealth when the community implements safer access to the trail for non motorized users, while also increasing bicycle friendliness on the business district side.

To the greater community I would encourage activism for a dedicated bicycle lane on this road, and perhaps even create a buffered bicycle lane (if overall street width allows).  More safe connections to the Hammond trail encourages more people to use non motorized travel, it’s good for people, and the local economy.  It would also be great to see a sidewalk for pedestrian mobility.  I’ve seen many children walking, and biking on the Hiller road shoulder.  It’s a great road for safer mobility for all since one end has lots of commerce, and the other end has the trail.

To the owners of the Sweet Spot.  I would encourage you to consider some bicycle racks for bicycle customers.  This is a great step to take to show bicycle people that you support their transportation choices.  You have a wonderful space to the left of your handicap auto parking, which would be a great spot for bicycle racks.  Bicycle racks will make riders as customers feel more comfortable knowing the bikes will be safely locked if they choose to do so.  To bicycle people this basic infrastructure at a store can make a world of difference in welcoming more bicycle customers.  If you were to improve bicycle parking, and attract more bicycle customers, you could become even more bicycle friendly – such as making available a bike pump, if “mom or dad forgot to pump up her childs tire”, etc.  Offer very small discounts to bicycle customers would also encourage more trail customers.

In short I think the Sweet Spot has huge potential for more business from bicycle customers. This space really has potential to enhance the environment for bicycle customers, which would equal more customers.

So bicycle people on the Hammond trail don’t forget to visit the Sweet Spot while you’re out and about!
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Visit the Sweet Spot on Facebook, or add more reviews for them on Yelp.

photo credit – The Sweet Spot facebook page

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Related news –

Oregon launches the first statewide bicycle friendly business program

Sharing multi use trails

Sharing multi use trails such as the Hammond trail, Hikshari, Elk River can be a wonderful experience.  It can be a challenge sometimes during the summer time when more users are more active.  Users can consist of many different modes of mobility, which can also make it more challenging.  Here are some etiquette rules to keep in mind to have a safe, and enjoyable experience..

Be mindful if the trail has posted hours of operation –

Note if a gate is in the parking lot that may make it difficult for you to leave after hours.  If these signs exist it is usually meant to keep your safety in mind.  So it is best to obey the hours of operation.
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Keep right, unless you need to pass –

Always stay to the right side of the path, except when passing others.
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Share the trail –

Be respectful of all transportation mode users, and remember we all have different skill levels.
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Use lights when it is dark –

California vehicle code requires a front white light, and a rear red light or reflector for bicycle riders. Having some sort of ankle reflector is also a good idea.  Consider reflective tape on your bike frame is a great added touch.  If you’re a pedestrian consider a flashlight, or some reflective gear.
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Use audible warning when approaching users from behind –

Using a bike bell, or your voice helps make others aware of your approaching.
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Keep dogs under control –

It is a very good practice to use a leash on these shared paths.  Please scoop the poop as the need arises!
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Do not block the trail –

Sometimes you can get caught up in conversations.  Please be mindful of keeping the path clear, so others can continue on the trail without obstruction.
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Use safe speeds at all times –

Reduce your speed on these shared corridors to be more respectful of each others space.
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Obey all road and trail signs –

Signs are for your safety!
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Do not leave trash on the trail –

Please keep our trails beautiful, and clean.  Use a trash can, or pack out the trash with you.

Following these rules should make for happy trail users !  Enjoy the trails !

 

 

 

 

 

 

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* your help is needed – Please help stop Rand Paul from cutting bike/ped funding – action request

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