Bike lanes on Pacific Avenue would prove dangerous

by Corey Vikser
Staff Writer

Earlier this year, the Manhattan Beach City Council proposed a plan to install bike sharrows, or shared lane markings, on Pacific Avenue to help encourage more bike transportation and safer riding for children; however, these efforts are nowhere near substantial enough to create a safe and reliable environment for bikers.

In 2011, a proposal called the South Bay Bicycle Master Plan was implemented. The plan aimed to improve bike infrastructure throughout the South Bay. Cities in the area began creating more bike lanes to accommodate the copious amount of riders, prevent accidents and separate bikers and drivers on the streets.

As more and more streets were modified, Manhattan Beach City Council created a proposal in support of adding sharrows to Pacific Avenue, spanning from 5th Street to Rosecrans. The plan was later denied at the Nov. 5 city council meeting, with an alternate plan being enacted to introduce sharrows to Manhattan Avenue.

According to Manhatan Beach Mayor Amy Howorth, Pacific Avenue already encounters a lot of traffic problems, especially in the area immediately surrounding Pacific Elementary School. The problem with creating bike lanes on Pacific Avenue is that the sharrows are not a secure enough method to keep bikers separated from the drivers. Sharrows are simply markers on the side of the road to signify the area set off for bike riders, and are not substantial enough to make drivers aware of a biker’s presence.

Not only is the path a potential danger for cyclists, but it could also cause problems for drivers. Drivers will be required to stay attentive to bike riders parallel to them while simultaneously driving. Accidents could easily occur if a cyclists were to deviate from the path and enter the street abruptly, which is a major hazard for drivers.

Some in support of the plan have stated that the sharrows help direct cyclists into the right direction and help regulate traffic issues. However, bikers on the road would only cause more traffic complications as an additional lane with riders means that they will have to get off at different points. This could agravate traffic problems in the area and cause major traffic build-up.

The proposal of sharrows on Pacific Avenue was a poorly planned idea with many potential hazards. The final decision by City Council not to approve it was a wise decision, as these lanes would in no way improve safety for bikers.