New El Camino Bike Lanes
Long known as a route that many bicyclists go out of their way to avoid, riding along many portions of El Camino Real (ECR) has recently become safer for cyclists. As part of the SR-82 El Camino Real Pavement Rehabilitation Project, dedicated bike lanes are being installed throughout the Mountain View, Los Altos, and Palo Alto portions of the roadway. The project has been in the making for many years. It is now nearing completion, with bike lanes already primarily installed, including green pavement markings to help drivers anticipate and notice riders.
Stanford community members report feeling safer thanks to the additions. “Previously, I would not dream of riding on ECR; now it is a viable option,” said Darius Teter, executive director of the GSB Stanford Seed program, who commutes seven miles to campus each way from Mountain View. “They did a superb job with these new bike lanes, considering how busy this road is, how many intersections, how many businesses, and the freeway on and off-ramps.”
Lori Abrahamsohn seconds that opinion. “I feel safer than before and will now ride on El Camino for short distances,” said Lori. A SOM faculty affairs administrator, she rides six miles each way from Mountain View. Although stanchions (flexible posts) were installed as a barrier to separate the bike lanes from vehicle traffic, Lori would like to see more posts added, along with signage to help motorists safely make right turns across the bike lanes.
Have a suggestion or improvement request? Email the SR-82 El Camino Real Pavement Rehabilitation Project.
