Is It Safe to Bike in Moraga?

Several accidents force bikers to take precautions. Read how to bike safely. 

By Benjamin Noel
Opinion Columnist

At 10:29 am on November 26th, a vehicular accident left a cyclist dead. The death of the 77-year old Moraga native begs the question: is biking in Moraga safe? Now, I’m answering this question with a bias. I bike a fair bit. And by virtue of living on campus, most of my rides start in Moraga.

For the most part, Lamorinda is safe to bike around. Most drivers are cautious and pass with plenty of space. However, Moraga and St. Mary’s Roads both do not have bike lanes. If you feel unsafe sharing the road with cars, and want to get to the Safeway in Moraga, the Rheem campus or Lafayette, have no fear! The Lafayette/Moraga Regional Trail has got you covered. The paved trail runs parallel to St. Mary’s road, and can be accessed from the entrance of campus by crossing the street. This trail also cuts out some of the hillier parts of St. Mary’s road, so its an easier way to get around

As for riding on the road, a few things to keep in mind. Some drivers are jerks. They will damn near clip you with their mirror if they’re impatient. A good rule of thumb is to pull into a shoulder when there is one to let the traffic pass. This is mainly for descending Moraga Road into Lafayette, as drivers like to speed down the hill. 

Due to the sheer lack of lighting in the main roads in Lamorinda, it’s best to stay off the roads till half an hour after sunrise and half an hour before sunset. Also, you can never be too visible. Even during the day. A flashing back-light and reflective strips make you hard to miss. Bike with others if you can, and always play it safe. Happy trails, and keep it rubber side down.