On a recent bike ride along Leland Street and the auto dealerships, I tested my helmet as a result of hazards placed on the sidewalk. A startling wallop came from my helmet as I hit the sidewalk. Fortunately, there was little traffic along the road that was only inches away from my feet, and I was only scratched and bruised.
I've always been afraid of riding a bike on the roads while traffic zooms by. I cringe when I see children using bike lanes on the busy streets. Fortunately, the laws of Ventura allow bikers to use the sidewalks. The exceptions to sidewalk biking are in the downtown business district where prohibition is posted -- Ventura Avenue to Ash Street, Poli Street to Harbor Boulevard -- and on shopping center walkways.
I now recognize that public sidewalks are where many manmade hazards are being placed. Surprisingly, most of the hazards I've seen were put there by business owners.
Examples:
-- Ventura Auto Center vehicles parked in the middle of public sidewalks.
-- Auto Center signs placed on the public sidewalks.
-- Auto Center balloons and banners flying at neck and head level. Balloon strings create an instant garrote across your path as the balloons react to sudden wind gusts. Garrote and banner-in-the-face problems can be seen in front of a number of businesses in Ventura.
I've experienced all these hazards and was toppled from my bike because of one of them.
You can help. When you see a sidewalk hazard, ask the proprietors to please remove them. They probably haven't considered the implications of what they've done.
If that fails, and a vehicle is the hazard, call Traffic and Parking Enforcement at 650-8010. For other hazards on public sidewalks -- signs, flags, etc. -- call Ventura Code Enforcement at 658-4711.
-- Ron Paulinski, Ventura