This week, we are starting a new safety feature namely, to discuss the specific streets on which we do group rides to highlight risks as well as some proposed measures that mitigate those risks.  I have been riding with CVC for 3+ years and have ridden most of the streets and routes that CVC frequents.  I am relying on my own experiences for this column but would welcome any member input to either point out particularly risky streets or to write a column about any street of concern.  

This week, I start with Las Virgenes Road, crossing north over the 101.  In my opinion, this is one of the streets that demands extra vigilance.  This segment of road is often included in routes that target some of our favorite climbs, including Fernwood, Topanga, and Old Topanga (among others).  

I have included a Google map of this area below:

The dynamics of this segment are as follows:

We approach Las Virgenes from Agoura Road, take a left turn (north) onto the right lane of a very busy Las Virgenes Road.  Approximately 150 meters after the turn, there is a stop light, followed by the freeway overpass crossing over the 101.  The bicycle lane traverses the path that cars take to the south on-ramp to the freeway.  If the light is green and cyclists are proceeding towards the on ramp, cars often speed up to turn onto the ramp before the cyclists cross, endangering the cyclist with a potential right hook crash.  When a red light turns green, there is often a race between cyclist and car to see who can get to the on ramp first.  The problem for cyclists who let cars cross in front to enter the on ramp is that the cyclist is then stranded on the right side of the lane until all cars intending to turn right onto the on ramp have done so, exposing the cyclist to cars speeding by perilously close.    Either way, this set up is poorly conceived and hazardous.

How to navigate this segment:

There is no cookbook way cross this segment because there are too many variables.  My best advice is don’t be complacent; this segment demands full concentration.  Prior to passing the stop light, scan the area and know where all cars are located.  Proceed cautiously and engage drivers with eye contact and hand signals.  Signal your intent to cross the on-ramp entrance to all nearby cars and pay attention to cars that either stop to let you pass or refuse to do so.  Beware of aggressive drivers who might cross your path and cut you off.  And, never let your guard down.