Mount Diablo State Park Adds 30 New Bike Turnouts

MOUNT DIABLO, CA — The California Department of Parks and Recreation is celebrating the completion of 30 new bike turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park.

The turnouts allow bicyclists, who move at slower speeds as they pedal uphill, to pull out of the main traffic lane into their own lane so that vehicles can pass safely. The turnouts were a priority project funded by Senate Bill 129 which was spearheaded by California state Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda).

“The new bike turnout lanes on Mount Diablo will make it safer for cyclists and motorists to get up and down the mountain, making this precious resource more accessible to the region’s residents and to visitors,” Glazer said. “I was happy to help the Mount Diablo Cyclists and the Parks Department complete this important project.”

An event to commemorate these recent safety enhancements is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Curry Point on Mount Diablo along South Gate Road. State Parks staff, local officials and several cycling groups will be in attendance.

“Safety on the park roadway is everyone’s responsibility,” said recently retired Diablo Range Superintendent Eddie Guaracha. “Whether you are a frequent visitor or a first-time visitor, please take your time on the mountain road and enjoy the scenery.”

Previous Improvements

To date, there have been 48 bike turnouts added on Mount Diablo. Along South Gate Road, there are a total of 18 turnouts; there are 17 along North Gate Road and 13 along Summit Road.

In the 2021/2022 fiscal year, $1.5 million in the California State Budget was allotted to fund the Bike Turnout Project, State Parks officials said in a news release. That money added to the 17 existing turnouts on the 11-mile road leading up the mountain.

Public safety at this popular destination remains a priority for State Parks; that’s why over the past few years a number of safety enhancements have been implemented such as double-yellow line striping on the roads, designating passing areas, repaving portions of the road, improving safety signage and installing designated bike turnouts, State Parks officials said.

Share The Road

California State Parks encourages drivers and cyclists to share the road on Mount Diablo by observing posted speed limits; staying in your lane on blind curves and not cutting corners; not passing on double-yellow lines until you have a clear view of oncoming traffic and it is safe to do so; and not wearing headphones that cover both ears, as it is illegal (wearing only one headphone if you have to).