Efforts to replace missing or misleading signage in the area of the La Jolla Bike Path (also known as the Fay Avenue Bike Path or Fay Avenue Extension) are in the works and, as of last month, have the local traffic board’s support.
The bike path sits between Nautilus Street and Mira Monte and is used by cyclists and pedestrians. Immediately east of the path are steep, sensitive slopes that contain native vegetation. There also are connecting unpaved walking paths that continue south to Camino de la Costa. Some of that section is owned by the nearby La Jolla United Methodist Church.
A stop sign was once located at Via Del Norte past the bike lane extension markings before it fell over a couple years ago. (Debbie Adams)
Led by La Jolla resident Debbie Adams, the area is largely maintained and monitored by volunteers, who work in coordination with the city of San Diego. At the La Jolla Traffic & Transportation Board’s Aug. 18 meeting, Adams proposed two changes in signage to reflect current needs.
The first and “very easy” change she proposed is to replace a stop sign at Via Del Norte where one used to stand. Adams said the stop sign fell over a few years ago and hasn’t been replaced since.
“That’s a very busy street (with) lots of traffic there,” she explained. “So we hope a stop sign will encourage bikers and walkers to stop before they cross Via Del Norte.”
The second suggestion is to correct signage near the easement running between La Canada and Camino de la Costa, which Adams said was “erroneously marked as a bike path” for many years.
“It is not a Class 1 bike path,” she said. “It is an easement, technically. So (the city) would like to just correct that by eliminating that incorrect sign.”
Adams asked the T&T board to approve those changes so the city could put in a project order for the signs.
After minimal comments, a motion to support the change in signage passed 7-0-1, with board member Patrick Ryan abstaining due to a lack of information. It will next appear in front of the La Jolla Community Planning Association for ratification or further review.
City spokesman Anthony Santacroce confirmed the scope of work and said there are more updates expected along the way.
“The city is working on some signage updates in the area of the Fay Avenue Bike Path to replace signs on old, rusted poles, remove some old signs, repaint the markings that formerly pointed to private property, and ensure all signage and directionality remain aligned with city facilities including streets,” he said.
— La Jolla Light editor Ashley Mackin-Solomon contributed to this report.