Chandler Bikeway

     Judging from the number of folks using it, the Chandler Bikeway is really popular. Stretching from Mariposa Street on the east to Clybourn Avenue on the west, its 4 miles of pavement and beautiful landscaping are certainly an asset to our city.
      The other evening I had the pleasure of walking along the bikeway with City Manager Mary Alvord, and my friend Shannon Wong, who is the president of the John Burroughs Highs School Band Boosters. We had a chance to talk about some issues as we strolled --- make that walked fast. I mentioned to Mary that I had heard something about making Chandler into one-way streets. She’s already getting tons of “hate mail” as she jokingly described it. Apparently some on our city council thought making each side one-way would somehow make Chandler more elegant. Having been around a long, long time, I remember when Chandler was a one-way street. It didn’t work then, and it won’t work now. So the city council would be wise to forget about that one.
      Although I don’t get out there walking as often as Mary and Shannon, I have done it enough to make some interesting observations about those who use it. Some, like me, fit into the “over-weight/trying to get in shape” category. Then there are the “athletic” types who use it for jogging. There are bicyclist, skateboarders, and roller bladers who all seem to fit into the “just enjoying the ride” category. There are young and old, and families with kids all along the route. Moms and dads pushing a stroller is not an uncommon sight.
     And then we have the clueless ones. There are a few bike riders who think it is a speedway. But for the most part, the worst offenders are the pedestrians. How hard is it to walk on the proper side of the bikeway? Apparently it is more than many people can do. There are signs designating the wider part of the concrete for bicycles, and the other part for pedestrians. It’s about as wide as a normal sidewalk --- room enough for two people to walk side by side. Yet some still walk in the bike lanes, causing bicyclists to have to veer out of the way, or stop.
     Even folks just walking in pairs seem oblivious to common courtesy. Walkers going both ways have to share the space, so stay to the right. If you are walking side by side, one of you needs to drop back and make room for people going the other way. It seems so simple, yet I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people who really shouldn’t have a “license to walk.”
     There are probably almost as many dogs using the bikeway as there are humans. Most owners are pretty good about keeping their dogs under control. But one idiot stands out. I walked by as he was walking his large German Shepherd without a leash. Not only is it a violation of the law, but it’s just plain stupid. Apparently someone in authority told him to put his dog on a leash. When I passed him again on my way back, the dog had on a leash. The idiot just wasn’t holding on to his end.
     Maybe more signs will help control the out of control walkers. But for idiots like the leashless dog guy, nothing short of a bikeway safety patrol will help.
     Despite the problems, do go for a walk on the Chandler Bikeway. I’ve walked the entire distance a couple of times, and my only suggestion to the City Manger is the add a valet service at the end to drive me back. Mary said “no” to that idea.

--- Stan

Questions or Comments email Stan at Burbank Blog.Com