Santa Ana River Trail

The Santa Ana River Trail is a multi-use trail complex that runs alongside the Santa Ana River in southern California. The trail stretches 30 miles (48 km) from the Pacific Ocean at Huntington Beach along the Santa Ana River to the Orange–Riverside county line.[1][2] Planned extensions of the trail reach to Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County. When completed, it will be the longest multi-use trail in Southern California, at approximately 100 miles (160 km).[3] In 1989, the Los Angeles Times described the path as "a veritable freeway for bicycles".[4]

A photo of the trail in Huntington Beach, looking upstream

Description

The asphalt-paved bike path is up to 12 feet (3.7 m) wide, divided into two lanes so cyclists may ride abreast in many portions, adjacent to a hiking & riding trail. Many intersections with local streets are grade separated with bridges or underpasses making it a Class I bicycle facility. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians and runners (who are considered pedestrians by the law) at all times. As of 2006, 70 miles (110 km) of the path were complete; when finished, in conjunction with the equestrian trail, the bikeway is expected to bridge three counties, touching on 17 cities and two national forests.[3]

History

In 1977, the bike path was designated a National Recreation Trail.[3]

In 2005, heavy rains caused extensive erosion on the path, requiring repairs from the state at about $1 million, part of an approximately $43 million clean-up in Southern California occasioned by the disaster.[5]

Events

Since 1985, the trail is the avenue of the annual "Riverside to Surfside" bicycling event, formerly known as "Smog to Surf", in which cyclists ride the trail from Riverside, Corona or Anaheim to Huntington Beach.[6][7]

Safety

In 1990, safety on the trail became a concern when it was occupied by homeless populations and street gangs.[8] An increased police presence in 2009 led to a reduction in crime, though pockets of homeless camps have reappeared under some bridges along the trail.

From early 2016 into autumn 2017,[9] the presence of tent camps along a 6.5-mile stretch centered near Angel Stadium resulted in many riders feeling uncomfortable.[8][10] At the end of 2017, the trail was closed as authorities with the assistance of social service agencies removed those camping along the trail. As of April 2018, the trail was cleared of the remains of the encampments and reopened.[11]

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References
  1. "O.C. parks: Your guide to taking a hike". OC Register. 2006-08-02. Retrieved 2009-04-03.
  2. Stienstra, Tom (2007). Moon California Camping: The Complete Guide to More Than 1,400 Tent and RV Campgrounds (15 ed.). Avalon Travel. p. 785. ISBN 1-56691-831-6.
  3. Mitchell, Patrick (2006). Santa Ana River Guide: From Crest to Coast - 110 Miles Along Southern California's Largest River System. Wilderness Press. p. 7. ISBN 0-89997-411-2.
  4. "Detail". Dmv.ca.gov. Retrieved 2019-07-21.
  5. Saillant, Catherine; Sharon Bernstein (2005-01-25). "Roads' storm repairs costly". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2009-04-03.
  6. Paul, Jacquie (2005-08-24). "Along for the ride: Smog to Surf promotes bicycling for all". The Press-Enterprise. Retrieved 2009-04-03.
  7. Bowles, Jennifer (2006-10-09). "Lack of funding for new reservoirs draws fire". The Press-Enterprise. Retrieved 2009-04-03. As it stands, starting lines for the annual "Smog to Surf" ride from Riverside to Huntington Beach, changed this year to the more politically correct "Riverside to Surfside," begin Saturday in Riverside and Corona but riders won't be able to go along the river until they hit Orange County past the Prado Dam.
  8. Moilanen, Renee (2000-10-09). "Bumps Along the Bike Trail; When Crime Trails Off; More Police Patrols of Santa Ana River Bikeway Bring Cyclists, Joggers Back". Metro, Part B. Los Angeles Times (Orange County Edition). p. 6. Retrieved 2009-04-03. Ten years ago, street gangs and homeless people claimed the Santa Ana River Bikeway as their own.... Police attribute the plunge in crime to more patrols, gang sweeps and the dismantling of homeless camps.
  9. Gerda, Nick (Sep 12, 2017). "Sheriff to Step Up Patrols of Riverbed Homeless Camp, But Say They Will Not Clear It Out". Voice of OC. Retrieved Jul 21, 2019.
  10. "11,000 sign petition to clear homeless from Santa Ana River Trail; state of emergency considered". Sep 1, 2017. Retrieved Jul 21, 2019.
  11. Robinson, Alicia (2018-01-22). "Portion of Santa Ana River trail closes to cyclists, joggers as Orange County begins clearing homeless encampments". Orange County Register. Retrieved 2018-03-09.

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