Pershing Drive has the potential to be one of the most popular bike routes in San Diego. The road is well groomed, travels through idyllic scenery and connects North Park to Downtown. Yet, cyclists often avoid traveling on Pershing Drive, because the road has a reputation for bicycle injuries. After the intersection with Florida Drive, Pershing essentially becomes an entrance ramp for the freeway. As such, motorists begin speeding up in preparation for the freeway, increasing the possibility of fatal collisions with cyclists. If cyclists want to exit Pershing to ride to Downtown, there are two dedicated crosswalks; however, these crosswalks are located past the Florida intersection and near turns in the road. Consequently, motorists driving at freeway speeds are unlikely to see a cyclist crossing the street until it is much too late. Changes in signage, adding interior bike lanes, merge transition zones and/or a separate bike signal on…
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