My first road trip

[psychonurse]

Hi, thought I would tell you about my little adventure. I went to Coronado Ca for a visit. Took my newly 48v 14a.h lithium battery'd bike for a 30mile ride that took me from Coronado to almost to mexico and back to downtown San Diego. Coronado is a Island and the only other way off is via a ferry. I found a great new application for my I-phone (google maps) that gives you audible GPS bike routes to get you almost anywhere. I was totally lost in Chula Vista Ca and the Google thing found a bike path that took me most of the way back to San Diego. VERY COOL. So I did 30miles with minimal peddling and still had juice left. Took only about 1.5 hours to recharge. Lithium battery has spoiled me. Just hope it lasts without any problems. Cheers.. Mike

 

[wesnewell]

Since when is the only way to Coronado via ferry? I've driven to it and the naval base there a few times.

 

[dogman dan]

Yeah, there is a bridge. But the scenic route goes down the strand. I bet that was one really nice ride.

 

[Ykick]

It sounded to me like he took the ferry over to city and rode to Imperial Beach through Chula Vista? I wasn't clear about the route so I stayed out of this.

Coronado actually isn't an Island but a Pennisula that can be reached by road from the south end of the "Silver Strand" at Imperial Beach.

Beautiful beaches, lotsa military, good flat paths but clearly marked NO MOTOR VEHICLES. I haven't had any issues but get a Barney Fife, who knows?

 

[psychonurse]

Hi, you are correct in as much as you can come and go from Coronado via the bridge but it is not open for bikes or pedestrians. I have been told the only other way off the Island pennisula is going south toward Mexico past the Cays and then through Imperial Beach/Chula vista which is what I did. I think its legal to ride electric bikes on bike path but not positive. Didn't notice any signs. It is a very picturesque ride. I reccommend it. Happy cylcling.

 

[dogman dan]

Sure, now I get it. On my visit years ago I was in a car.

 

[Ykick]

Doesn't appear to be as many "confusing" signs but here's a grab from an offical video:


Here's the video describing the recent Bayshore Bikeway expansion:

[youtube]2JlJ12vM1N8[/youtube]

Of course, find maps, descriptions and more information here:
http://www.sandag.org/index.asp?projectid=63&fuseaction=projects.detail

 

[John in CR]

It sounds like some people need to learn the difference between a "motor vehicle" and a "motorized vehicle". A motor vehicle is a legal definition, which most ebikers try to stay clear of. A motorized vehicle is any vehicle with a motor, though those with a human motor are commonly excluded. All of our ebikes are motorized vehicles, even mine which are legally bicycles in my jurisdiction.

 

[Ykick]

I think that sign is intended to warn away cars/trucks. Our status is legally allowed but get the wrong SDPD officer and you can have a bad day. Just don't look like you're having fun and 'should be fine....

 

[psychonurse]

Thanks Ykick for that map and video! My e-bike is pretty unobtrusive and I don't drive much above 15mph and alway am peddling somewhat. But I agree always the possibilty some anal attentive cop might want to have a go at me. I agree that the sign is put there for cars/trucks/motorcycles and gas powered vehicles. Don't think they were including our electric bikes. Wish L.A. where I live had a bike path setup as progressive as San Diego is working on. Very nice indeed.

 

[MD.]

We did that ride with our local electric bike club. I think we had 29 e-bikes in attendance. It was a great ride to kick off spring here in SD. You can take a ferry over to Coronado from downtown. We just met in Coronado at the Pedego dealer, rode down the strand, and back up. There's a hundred picks of us in the link.

http://www.meetup.com/Electric-Bike-Club-of-San-Diego/events/105757892/