Click HERE to download large PDF version.SART runs from the San Bernardino County line to the Pacific Ocean. Click map to view larger.
Since the 1970s, the Santa Ana River Trail, or SART, has been OC’s largest single bicycling amenity– not counting our roads themselves, that is.
Background
Originally just the service road along the Santa Ana River levy, the route was designated for cyclists when Caltrans transformed Santa Ana Canyon Road into a freeway. By posting the 91 against bicycles, Caltrans would have eliminated the historic connection between Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Cyclists protested and streets and Highways Code 888 was enacted to prevent severing established rights of way because of this very event. (Note: Anyone with historic background to share centering around this decision and the SART, please comment.)
Originally, westbound traffic from Hwy 71- called the Pomona Corona Expressway- rode the 91 shoulder to Green River, exited onto that road and entered the SART at the golf course entrance. Eastbound traffic exited at Green River and rode the old Santa Ana Canyon Road to Serfas Club Dr.
The Good and the Bad
From Day 1 bicyclists embraced the river trail’s utility. It quickly became our “bicycle freeway,” an appealing alternative to north/south arterials as far west as Beach Blvd. The surface was generally descent. And underpasses at all the intersections made it superior to even Irvine’s “bike paths,” which frequently cross surface streets at grade. This feature meant no red lights, ever. As a commuter route the SART did more to encourage transportation cycling than any other facility in the county.
Over the years city, county, and Army Corp agencies have all had an impact on SART. At some point segments of the route came under Parks and Recreation jurisdiction. Their ordinance 2-5-43 requires bicycles be operated safe and reasonable speeds, but under no circumstances at speed greater than 10 MPH. That regulation may make sense on meandering park paths where casual recreational riders mix with baby joggers, but it makes no sense on a route traditionally used primarily by bicyclists traveling from Point A to Point B.
A 10 MPH limit completely destroys the transportation utility of the bicycle. It’s an unreasonable imposition in an era when city and county agencies are trying to encourage bicycling as a transportation mode.
OCBC is working with the county’s Regional Recretional Trail Committee, who generally oppose the 10 MPH limit on SART, and consultants involved in trail and park improvements in the Green River project area, to influence OC Parks to revise their ordinance to recognize the needs of bicyclists on the Santa Ana River Trail.
I am retired, ride the SART 2 to 5 times a week, from Imperial to Huntington Beach pier and back, for 30+ years, average about 15 mph. Start at first light, see few other users down, more on way home. I have had <5 incidents on trail, none have been speed related. All have been caused by sudden moves by people acting like sqirrels. Once at walking pace, threading through a large group of joggers, filling the trail, edge to edge, one jogger/walkman switched sides, taking my front wheel from under me. Me, dislocated finger, damaged clothing, him, no effect at all.
Large coaching signs requiring turn signals, looking behind before turning, lane discipline, courtesy, awareness (as on the Washington and Old Dominion Trail in Virginia) might have a positive impact.