Gerald Desmond Bridge - Westbound Traverse

Two League of American Bicyclists certified traffic cycling instructors traverse the WB Gerald Desmond Bridge in Long Beach, CA, to show that it is useable by traffic skilled cyclists and to help make the case that the highway shoulders on the replacement bridge should be open to bicycling, AND that a separate bicycle path and a separate ped path should be provided on the replacement bridge that will be built in the 2011-2013 time frame.

[@CharlesDenison]

I consider myself an experienced cyclist, but that bridge scares the crap out of me! You guys are pros and handled it with ease. I would be so afraid of (1) someone not paying attention and hitting me and (2) being harassed for being there even though it's totally legal. I noticed quite a few people honked at you as they passed by.

[@BungaEBiker]

Man everything I have clenched several times watching this. I hate big rings passing me. I alway's make sure I can see them in their rear view mirror but the wind blast usually knocks me around a bit. i tip my hat to you both, you both a ha pair that clanks. WOW.

[@CyclistLorax]

@ulfthegoon - The plan is to let a contract cometime this year, and assuming there are no lawsuits, construction may begin as early as 2012, more likely 2013. The new bridge will be built alongside the old one, so it is make before break, though the new ramp construction will likely create some detour issues during the construction.

[@CyclistLorax]

It would be a a lot nicer with both a separated bike path and 8'-10' shoulders, so bicyclists could choose whicever facility suited them, as will be the case on the replacement bridge.

[@cook7772]

If there where no sholders, would you do this?

[@ulfthegoon]

When will the new bridge be up?