The situation at the Lookout on Coolidge Drive

At the top of this page is the view from the Lookout parking area on Coolidge Drive on the UCSC campus. The photo was taken on January 19, 2012. The gap in the fence provides an entrance to the Pogonip, where there are two attractive memorial benches (the second is to the left, not in the photo), on which people frequently sit to enjoy the view. Visible here is a signpost, labeled “Lookout Trail”, and also marked with (a faded) symbol indicating that bikes are not allowed. [Note added March 21, 2012: This signpost, which it turns out was earlier placed in error, has been removed, but nothing else has changed. There is now no indication that bikes are not permitted, and the trail itself still invites usage. The trail, which is not indicated on the City's map of the Pogonip, is not intended to be a legal entrance to the Pogonip.]

A short distance down the trail is the sign shown at the left. (Click on the image to enlarge it.) There is no indication on this sign that bicycles are not permitted.

The trail itself, shown at the right, is rather steep. As a result, it has a tendency to erode.

About 30 yards north of the above gap in the fence is a second gap, with an ad-hoc trail leading from it. It is redundant. There are no signs at all at this entrance.

Suggestions:

• The lookout parking area on Coolidge Drive is popular, a place where many people stop to enjoy the view. The benches are inviting, and much used. However, both the fence and the parking area are degraded. Both could be made more attractive.

• If there is to be an entrance to the Pogonip at this location (with a path down to the Spring Trail), there should be a clear indication that it is only for use by pedestrians, and that bicycles are not permitted. In addition, if this entrance is retained, the path down to the Spring Trail should be re-routed so as to be less steep and therefore less subject to erosion.

• On the other hand, if this entrance is to be discontinued, the (currently illegal) path down to the Spring Trail should be eliminated, with clear signage indicating such. However, access to the popular benches should be retained. It is not clear whether the benches are located on university property or on city property, that is, whether the existing fence denotes the boundary between the two properties. If the benches are on university property, perhaps there should be a modest fence along the boundary between the two properties.

• The redundant northern gap in the fence should be removed, along with the ad-hoc path leading from it.

The situation at the top of the Rincon Road

Above is a photo taken January 31, 2012 showing the gate at the top of the Rincon Road. Barely visible just above the top of the gate is a “NO BICYCLES” sign. We suggested that the sign, then about 50 feet down the road, be moved to the gate itself.

The sign was moved to the gate! Below is a photo taken March 21, 2012.

The situation at the top of Spring Street

The gate at the top of Spring Street clearly indicates that bicycles are not permitted to pass through the gate. This is misleading, since bikes are permitted, but only if they then turn to the left.

Here is a group of unicylists, who did go through the gate and did turn left to head up through the second gate toward Coolidge Drive, illustrating appropriate behavior.

Here is the south side of the second gate (visible in the previous photo), with its “NO BICYCLES” sign. This is likewise misleading, since here also, bicyclists are permitted, but only if they then turn right to head down Spring Street.

A suggestion:

• The signage in this area should be revised to as to indicate what is permitted and what is not permitted.

The situation at Golf Club Drive

On Golf Club Drive, some distance above this entrance gate, is a “NO BICYCLES” sign, barely visible in this photo (see arrow).

A suggestion:

• The sign should be moved to the gate itself.