18 November 2005
Captain Steve Pudinski
California Highway Patrol
255 E. Samoa Blvd.
Arcata, CA 95521
RE: Bicycle Procession from Arcata to Eureka, Friday 18 Nov.

Dear Captain S. Pudinski,

I would like to thank you and your fellow officers in your efforts on the morning of Friday, 18 Nov., on the 101 corridor between Arcata and Eureka. I happened to be out on a 30-mile training bicycle ride originating at my home in Arcata, traveling to McKinleyville and down to Eureka, and ending back in Arcata. At Bracut, while riding north on 101, I noticed the procession of approximately 60-70 cyclists heading south. I also noticed the helicopter, several police cruisers, and a safety vehicle with orange strobe light. It was easy to put 1 & 1 together to figure out that this was some sort of protest ride being escorted by the CHP.

As an avid cyclist (this morning I hit over 1,030 miles since 1 Sep.) and, I guess, a cycling advocate, I was very interested in observing the event; especially the interaction between the officers and riders in lieu of events that happened on Wednesday, 2 November. I really don’t know what truly happened a couple of weeks ago, I only read the article published by the North Coast Journal (10 Nov), but I certainly don’t want to see lawful cyclists harassed by police officers just because they are riding in a large group on 101 (which could or could not be legal).

From the northbound shoulder, I crossed the two traffic lanes entering the left turn lane at Bacut and waited to cross the southbound lanes. What I observed was an orderly procession of cyclists riding south on the shoulder followed by a couple vehicles with safety lights. The only thing I heard from an officer was a positive “thank you for riding on the shoulder” over a PA. It didn’t take too long to figure out that being between the north and southbound lanes isn’t the best place for cyclist. However, because of the bike parade, traffic on southbound 101 was bunched not leaving a gap to cross the lanes. So I did what cars do. I road down the south bound merge lane and merged with traffic which was quiet simple because I could easily ride at the same speed as traffic, and I ride in traffic nearly every day. Believe it or not, this is when I got yelled at by what I think was a parade cyclists to get on the shoulder (I guess it could have been a cop yelling out a car window). Although legal to take the lane and ride at the same speed with traffic, I figured it would be best for everyone if I rode on the shoulder and promptly merged my way across the shoulder lane to the shoulder. I had only observed what was going on for about 10 minutes, but it seemed that the event, on everyone’s part, including motorist, was orderly. I decided it was time to head home since I was on mile 25. I rode up from behind the core cycling group, merged into the shoulder lane, taking the lane, and passed all the parade cyclists in seconds. I must admit, at that point I was nervous that because I was on a bike, although not associated with the parade cyclists, that I was going to be singled out as someone not riding within the “rules” (not riding on the shoulder) and was going to be targeted by police officers. That didn’t happen thankfully.

Riding a few miles ahead of the bicycle procession is when I met you at the driveway to the Simpson yard. Thanks for saying “Hi” and introducing yourself.

I continued my training ride crossing the freeway again at Airport Road and headed back to Arcata. I only observed the event from Bacut to about the Simpson yard, but what I saw was an orderly procession of cyclists riding south on the shoulder of 101; a large, unobtrusive police presence that appeared to be concerned about safety and shepherding the cyclists down the road; and motorists driving slowly past the cyclists, favoring the “fast” lane, with some honking in applause of the “cause”. I can only hope that the remainder of the event went this well.

As I’m sure you are aware, highway 101 is currently the safest route between Arcata and Eureka for bicyclists and is supported as such by the North Coast Air Quality Management District and the Redwood Community Action Agency (Humboldt Bay Area Bike Map, 2000) and, I’m sure, by any other local agency with some common sense. I’ve ridden Old Arcata Road enough times to know that it is a death trap for cyclists. This would be the preferred route for cyclists, both recreationally and for commuting, because of its lower traffic volume and scenery. However, the shoulder space for cyclist is non-existent or extremely hazardous and most motorists drive well over the posted speed limit. These two are a deadly combination even for experienced cyclists. Riding Highway 255 around the west portion of the bay is preferred to Old Arcata Rd. The only problem is going over the bridges to or from Eureka. Here again the shoulders are narrow, but ridable in my opinion, and seem safer even though the posted speeds are greater than Old Arcata Rd. Weather, such as high winds, could make the bridge traverse more dangerous.

I bring this to your attention because it seems that the cycle procession that occurred today took the safest route to get to their destination, at least the portion I observed. Could you imagine the problems that would occur if 60-70 cyclists road down Old Arcata Rd or over the 255 bridges?

Again, I would like to thank you and your officers for not prohibiting the cycle procession, but instead shepherding the group on 101 between Arcata and Eureka. Maybe next time only one police cruiser will be needed to follow a large cycling group on 101.

As a final note, I encourage and challenge you to go out and ride a bike around town.

Sincerely,
Brian Acord
2294 Alliance Rd
Arcata, CA 95521
humbirds «at» gmail.com

P.S. You may think that a simple deed went unnoticed, but it didn’t! Every regular road rider is keenly aware of the debris on the side of the road. I noticed the distinct lack of shoulder debris and the clean, fast pavement of 101 this morning, even under the Eucalyptus trees. Maybe it was to prevent excuses from the cycle procession, but it sure made my wheels happy not having to dodge Eucalyptus nuts. Thanks CalTrans!