California State Parks and Partners Celebrate Installation of 22 New Bike Turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park
California State Parks and Partners Celebrate Installation of 22 New Bike Turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park
One of the 22 new bike turnouts installed at Mount Diablo State Park. Photo from California State Parks.
MOUNT DIABLO, Calif.— California State Parks is celebrating the addition of 22 new bike turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park. These turnouts allow bicyclists, who move at slower speeds as they pedal uphill, to pull out of the main traffic lane into their own lane so that vehicles can pass safely. Combined funding of $927,000 for the bike turnouts was provided by California State Parks and public donations through the California State Parks Foundation and coordinated by Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Club and the Mount Diablo Cyclists.
To mark this significant improvement, California State Parks invites the public to attend a short celebration on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. This event will commemorate the recent road safety enhancements at Mount Diablo State Park. State Parks staff, local officials and several cycling groups will be in attendance to speak at the event and answer questions.
WHAT: 22 New Bike Turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park
WHEN: Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10 a.m.
The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
WHERE: Curry Point at Mount Diablo State Park
Southgate Road entrance, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
“We are thrilled to offer these new bike turnouts, which represent our commitment to improving the safety and experience for all who enjoy the beauty of Mount Diablo State Park,” said Diablo Range District Superintendent Clint Elsholz. “These new turnouts not only enhance safety but also encourage more people to explore the park by bike.”
To date there have been 67 bike turnouts added on Mount Diablo. Along the South Gate Road there are a total of 26 turnouts, 25 along North Gate Road and 16 along Summit Road.
Share the Road
Visitors to Mount Diablo are encouraged to share the road. Here are some tips to keep your visit safe and enjoyable:
All Users
- Check the weather, bring water and wear layers.
- Don’t forget sunscreen.
- Obey park rules.
- Park in designated areas.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you plan on returning.
- Help us keep animals wild by viewing them from a safe distance. Do not touch or feed them.
Drivers and Cyclists
- Observe posted speed limits.
- Stay in your lane on blind curves and do not cut corners.
- Do not pass on double-yellow lines until you have a clear view of oncoming traffic and it is safe to do so.
- Wearing headphones that cover both ears is illegal. Wear only one headphone if you have to.
Hikers
- Use the “buddy system” – hike with a friend or family member.
- Drink and carry plenty of water (a minimum of 1 quart every 2 hours).
- Wear sturdy, comfortable, closed-toed shoes to help prevent injury.
- Stay within designated trails. Do not walk off-trail or enter closed areas.
Equestrians
- Check the weather, bring water and know where to find water. Bring snacks for you and your horse.
- Know your level. Trails can be beginner, intermediate or advanced.
- Groom and condition your horse before leaving the barn.
- Bring your own first aid kit and cell phone. Attach it to your body, not your horse or saddle.
- Ride with a buddy.
- Wear a helmet and protective clothing.
- Carry a compass and a trail map.
- Although the rule is that cyclists and hikers yield to horses, be prepared for that not to happen.
- If your horse kicks, tie something red in its tail.
- Make sure to leave enough distance between horses. You should be able to see the hooves of the horse in front of you.
A bike turnout being installed at Mount Diablo State Park. Photo from California State Parks.
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