Councilmember Kevin Faulconer Rides to Learn About District Two Bike Issues

This past Thursday, Councilmember Kevin Faulconer and his Ocean Beach representative, Michael Patton, joined District Two residents on a bicycle ride from Dana Middle School into the heart of Ocean Beach to learn more about the issues that Obecians face while riding in their neighborhood.

Councilmember Faulconer (in Hawaiian shirt), Council representative Michael Patton (with tie) listening to founder of District 2 bike/ped working group, Nicole Burgess, explain exactly why Nimitz Boulevard could become safer with some design treatments. Photo: Old Knotty Buoy

The ride began at 1pm and the adults were joined by what photographer Old Knotty Buoy (OKB) calls a “whole gaggle of young, enthusiastic bikers on a ride from Dana Middle School” that rode into Ocean Beach after school let out. According to OKB,

this was an opportunity to discuss Safe Routes to Schools and Nicole’s wishes to improve the local infrastructure for the safety and well being of the kids who ride in her Bike Train and for all the other riders as well.

The start of the ride at Dana Middle School. Photo Old Knotty Buoy.

The ride began and the adults navigated their way from the school alongside vehicles traveling at 30 mph or higher

Riders ride toward Voltaire. Photo Old Knotty Buoy

Both Faulconer and Patton got to experience both the possibilities that OB had and the bottlenecks and solvable problems that were highlighted throughout the ride.

Some kids feel safer on the sidewalk instead of riding on a street with fast moving traffic that has no bike infrastructure.

Some kids feel safer on the sidewalk instead of riding on a street with fast moving traffic that has no bike infrastructure. Photo: Old Knotty Buoy

The group rode on Voltaire and learned how this two lane road had ample room for a safe place to ride on, if the decision makers had the courage to ensure that the curbside parking was removed in the interest of safety of its future.

On Voltaire riding on a two lane road that should have no curbside parking if the city wants to provide its residents with a safe place to ride. Photo: Old Knotty Buoy
Heading uphill on Voltaire where riders hope that drivers will share the space. Photo: Old Knotty Buoy
More curbside parking provided instead of a safe harbor for children to get to and from school. Photo: Old Knotty Buoy
Will Councilmember Faulconer consider making OB safer for his constituents? This ride showcased some of the issues that riders face in OB. Photo: Old Knotty Buoy
Will Councilmember Faulconer consider making OB safer for his constituents? This ride showcased some of the issues that riders face in OB. Photo: Old Knotty Buoy

Both Nicole and others were very appreciative of the Councilmember and Michael Patton taking the time out of their busy schedule to explore their district in a fun way to learn more about the potential that OB had. Nicole stated that the ride was a perfect opportunity for the Councilmember to learn about the issues faced by riders who ride on Voltaire and Nimitz – two main thoroughfares in Ocean Beach.