Damaged part of bike path straddles no man’s land

MEMBER COLUMN

by Man Cho

LW contributor

The San Gabriel River Bike Way, a 2.5-mile bike path from Leisure World down along the creek to the ocean is truly a gem.

Cyclists can enjoy the view of birds along the river, fish occasionally jumping out of the water, surfers on the waves, and beautiful beachside restaurants.

The pavement under the Pacific Coast Highway bridge is significantly damaged, making it a hazardous spot for cyclists. It’s more difficult where the ocean water overflows onto the bike path. Mountain bikers may enjoy the rough conditions of the path. However, many senior riders find the path challenging and dangerous. There’s even a risk of falling into the creek.

I’ve seen some riders get off their bikes to walk through this area.

For over two-and-a-half years since moving to Seal Beach, I haven’t seen any repairs or maintenance done here. Recently, I spoke with a city representative to share these concerns. I was relieved when they called back to explain that this path falls under Long Beach’s jurisdiction, not Seal Beach’s.

But when I contacted Long Beach, they pointed back to Seal Beach as responsible. Both representatives from Long Beach and Seal Beach seemed very kind and professional.

After examining the area on a map, it looks like the damaged section might sit right between the two jurisdictions, with Seal Beach to the west and Long Beach to the east. I’m hopeful that one of these cities or L.A. County will take the initiative to make this path safe again.

Why has this hazardous spot remained unaddressed for so long? It may come down to unclear regulations or unnecessarily complicated procedures.

This isn’t just about fixing a rough patch on a bike path; it’s about fostering a sense of responsibility for each other’s safety and comfort.