Living in Hermosa Beach is like hitting the California jackpot. We’ve got the sun, the surf, and, of course, “The Strand.” It’s our little slice of coastal heaven where we can bike, jog, rollerblade old school, or simply stroll while soaking in those unbeatable ocean views. But lately, there’s been a menace lurking on our beloved path – and no, it’s not a rogue seagull or a particularly aggressive beach volleyball.
I’m talking about the joggers and walkers who have decided that the rules of the road don’t apply to them. You know who you are. You’re the folks who think walking or jogging in the opposite lane is “safer.” Newsflash: this isn’t a street with cars and sidewalks. This is The Strand, and your well-intentioned, yet misguided, attempt at safety is actually creating chaos.
Picture this: you’re biking along, enjoying the breeze, when suddenly, you have to swerve to avoid a walker who’s determinedly striding towards you in your lane. It’s like playing a high-stakes game of chicken, but with a side of potential road rash. Or you’re out for a jog, sticking to your designated side, when you nearly collide with a group of walkers who think they’re on some sort of scenic protest march against the natural order of traffic flow.
It’s not just annoying; it’s dangerous. The Strand has a simple, elegant system: bikes in one lane, walkers and joggers in the other. Stick to it, and everyone gets along just fine. Decide to freelance, and you’re turning our idyllic beachfront path into a battleground.
Let’s get something straight: walking or jogging against traffic might make sense on a regular road, but The Strand is a different beast. Here, you’re not dodging speeding cars; you’re navigating a mixed crowd of beachgoers, locals, and tourists, all trying to enjoy the path without playing bumper cars on foot. Your decision to walk or jog against the flow doesn’t make you safer; it makes you a moving obstacle course.
So, to my fellow Hermosa Beach locals and our welcomed visitors: let’s keep The Strand the paradise it is. Stick to your lane. Bikers, joggers, walkers – we all have our space. Let’s respect it and each other. Because the only thing worse than a sunburn is having your peaceful ride or run interrupted by someone who thinks they’re rewriting the rules of pedestrian safety.
Stay in your lane, and let’s keep The Strand the stress-free, sun-soaked haven it’s meant to be. Rant over.