This intersection is designed to optimize vehicle circulation by allowing right turning vehicles from Mono Way to make the turn without slowing down. Think about how this design affects the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists traveling straight on Mono Way. In addition to encouraging vehicles to speed through the intersection, the design increases the distance a pedestrian needs to walk to cross the street. Modern street design discourages this kind of thinking in favor of making streets work for all users, not just for vehicles.
In drafting the new Tuolumne County Active Transportation Plan, The City of Sonora, Tuolumne County, and the Tuolumne County Transportation Council (TCTC) ignored our requests to focus on improvements like fixing this intersection. The MLBC provided a comment letter (TCTC ATPlan Draft comments) requesting changes to the plan in order to emphasize improving bike and pedestrian travel to the essential destinations that serve the greatest number of County residents. We believe that a bike friendly community starts with bike friendly places to shop, work, and access essential services.
The MLBC Board wants to ensure our advocacy has the support of our members and cyclists in the community. We welcome your feedback on our letter either via the comments section or via a message through the “Contact MLBC” page.
I have had a close call at this intersection. I was continuing straight on Mono and narrowly avoided a right hook as a motorist turned right in front of me.