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Photo by Erik Jepsen, UC San Diego Publications
A popular pathway is about to get a makeover as part of UC San Diego’s efforts to create a more bicycle-friendly campus. Peterson Hill, located between Peterson Hall, the Cognitive Science Building and the Faculty Club is undergoing extensive improvements that will transform the way bicyclists and pedestrians access the busy area.
“UC San Diego was originally planned for cars, not bikes,” said Gary C. Matthews, vice chancellor of Resource Management and Planning. “But with our goal of becoming a carbon-neutral campus by 2025, we need to proactively address the challenges of becoming a more bicycle-friendly campus. This project is just one of many steps we’re taking in that direction.”
Construction on the University Center Bike and Pedestrian Improvements project began this week and is expected to be completed in summer 2015. The project – which was developed with extensive student input and support – will replace an existing steep, shared-use path with separate pedestrian and bicycle paths and create a new ADA accessible route from Peterson Hall to Geisel Library. Pedestrians will be able to use a new concrete walk with a series of staircases on Peterson Hill, while bicycle riders will be able to use the designated bike paths. A ramp will be available for all wheeled and disabled users.
In addition to the Peterson Hill improvements, a second dedicated bike path will also be installed to run through the Park Eucalyptus Grove, west of the Student Health Center. Called the Grove Path Connection, the route will parallel Library Walk and enhance bicycle connection with Peterson Hill. Once the Grove Path is open, bicycle riders will have an alternative to pedestrian-only Library Walk, where they are required to dismount.
“These improvements are going to make a tremendous difference,” said campus landscape architect Todd Pitman of Physical and Community Planning. “Peterson Hill is a very high-traffic area with up to 1,200 people passing through on a daily basis. Once construction is completed, everyone who travels through the area will benefit.”
In addition to the new paths, improvements will also include adding signage and lighting as well as installing improved drainage. There will also be significant re-forestation done within the campus’s iconic eucalyptus grove.
“We’re planting two trees for every one tree we have to remove,” said Pitman. “The new trees will be much healthier and will ensure the eucalyptus grove continues to thrive for years to come.”
During construction, safe alternative pathways will be provided to users and a construction fence will enclose all sides of the project. Pedestrians and bicyclists should follow all signs and remain alert near construction areas. Bicyclists should also dismount on crowded walks.
The University Center Bike and Pedestrian Improvements project is one of several bicycle improvement projects happening on campus. The Gilman Transit Center, completed last fall, incorporates dedicated bicycle lanes on Gilman Drive between Villa La Jolla and Myers Drive. Several other projects will also feature dedicated bicycle lanes. These include:
Photo by Erik Jepsen, UC San Diego Publications
“I’m really excited for these upcoming improvements at UCSD,” said Nick McManus, a fourth year student and chair of the UCSD Bike Committee, an undergraduate student group that pursues bicycle infrastructure improvements on campus. “By increasing the feasibility of biking on campus, our hope is that more students will begin to use bicycles as their primary mode of transportation. That, in turn, will create a greater need to make UCSD and the surrounding areas more bike-friendly and help promote alternative transportation improvements.”
If you have any questions about the University Center Bike and Pedestrian Improvements project, please contact Jamie Bohannan in Facilities Design and Construction at jbohannan@ucsd.edu or (858) 246-0830.
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