One of the core values of GABA is advocacy – speaking up for the rights of cyclists, for better infrastructure or safer roads and pathways. GABA President, Matt Harmon, recently sent a letter to the Pima County Administrator on behalf of the GABA Board and members to identify several safety issues on The Loop Pathway and to request that the County address these issues.
Specifically, GABA requested that the County use pavement markings and/or bicycle friendly rumble strips to help reduce speed at blind corners, narrow underpasses or difficult turns. We noted that some of the existing “Slow” warning markings do not seem to be connected to any obvious hazard, possibly leading to users ignoring them.
Secondly, we requested that the County establish and maintain a standard for obstacles such as trees, poles or barriers that are close to the pathway. Existing obstacles should be clearly marked. New construction should apply any setback standards. All obstacles so identified should be clearly marked with a consistent standard of marking.
Thirdly, we requested that the County develop a locational marker system so that users can quickly identify where they are and first responders can quickly get to a person in distress.
GABA Board members hope to meet with County staff to discuss these issues in further detail.
If anyone has an issue that you would like brought to the attention of the local authorities,
please bring your concern to the attention of Daphne Hope or Wayne Cullop, GABA Advocacy Directors.