Traveling north on U.S. 101 and exiting on Leavesley Road, the
two left-turn lanes are not clearly marked, causing people to cut
you off.
“Traveling north on U.S. 101 and exiting on Leavesley Road, the two left-turn lanes are not clearly marked, causing people to cut you off. They have no way of knowing exactly where their lane is. I have seen more and more people being cut off. I have been cut off myself, and I think it’s a hazard. Can you have someone check it out? Thanks.”
Red Phone: Dear Cut Off And Ticked Off, This area is one of the many areas the city is aware of and plans to re-stripe once the rains stop for the year. Although we currently have a break in the weather for now, the operations staff plans to wait until around May to begin its repainting, said City Engineer Don Dey.
“If they have to stop and start, it takes more time because they have to clean the equipment each time,” Dey said. “They can’t do the whole city, but they will pick the worst locations.”
So hopefully in a few months this area will be a little less confusing and will keep drivers from cutting each other off.
If you would like to weigh in on which roads you would like to see re-striped, call the City Engineering Department at 846-0450.
Trail dangerous for cyclists
“My kids and I ride our bikes on the levee. We begin at the Sports Park and travel to Christmas Hill Park. We turn off 10th Street onto Miller Avenue and head down the steep hill towards the entrance into Christmas Hill Park. Many people travel this course both on bike and foot, most with small children. It is very dangerous with the limited bike lane and speeding cars. Does the city have plans to make this area safer for pedestrians and bikers?”
Red Phone: Dear Trial On The Trail, The Uvas Levee Trail is indeed popular for people of all ages. It is a great place for a leisurely stroll or ride. But it can also be dangerous as you head down the hill into the park. People should use caution when crossing the streets. It is also important to be aware of others on the trail.
Unfortunately the city doesn’t have any plans in the near future to make any modifications to the trail at Miller Avenue, said City Engineer Don Dey.
“The city doesn’t have the funds right now, and there aren’t any grant funds available,” he said. “These improvements will require a substantial investment.”
There is some hope though. As part of the Glen Loma Ranch Project, which has stalled due to the economy, 10th Street was scheduled to connect to Santa Teresa Boulevard, and Miller Avenue would be shut down as a through street to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists, Dey said. But that could still be 10 to 15 years down the road, he said.
Bicycles on sidewalks
“Isn’t there a state law that says bicycles must be ridden in the street and not on the sidewalks? I see bicycles on the sidewalk all the time: children, teens and adults. Once I saw a bicyclist on the sidewalk on Church Street. A police patrol car nearby went about its business and payed no attention. Does the Gilroy police ever enforce this? This is very frustrating when trying to walk the dog.”
Red Phone: Sidestepping On Sidewalks, The state doesn’t have any specific laws regarding biking on sidewalks. However certain cities such as ours do have laws against it.
In Gilroy, the Municipal Code prohibits any bicycle, skateboard or rollerskate or other wheeled vehicle – except for a disabled person in a wheelchair – in front of any public building that has signs posted forbidding it.
“This is an infraction similar to violations of the California Vehicle Code,” said Gilroy Police Sgt. Wes Stanford. “Officers have discretion whether to cite offenders or issue a verbal warning, and it would depend on the situation as to which would occur.”
