Wheelspin: traffic maze in Tamuning

BY PAULY SUBA
Journal Staff

The introduction of bicycle lanes in Tamuning has caught drivers by surprise.

The bicycle lanes or paths run along Chalan San Atonio or Route 14 from the ITC intersection to Archbishop Felixberto Flores Circle and back, passing Guam Premier Outlets.

Linda J. Ibanez, deputy director of the Guam Department of Public Works; told the Journal there was a prior process before the lanes were introduced.

"Public meetings were held during the development of the design to seek public feedback, where GPO was invited, along with the entire community and major stakeholders in the area,"
she said.

Monty D.M. Mesa, general manager of GPO; said discussions with DPW consultants occurred before the project’s implementation, with no objections to the addition of bike lanes.

“In addition, the road enhancement project was able to accommodate the installation of bike lanes without reducing the vehicle traffic; lanes going north would still be two lanes and south would have two lanes,” he said.

The redesign gives GPO a dedicated right turn for traffic heading towards Marine Corps Drive, as well as the existing turn into the parking lot near LongHorn Steakhouse and the existing left turn coming from Marine Corps Drive.

Addressing the motivation behind the changes, Ibanez said, “This project is phase one of a ‘Complete Streets Project,’ where all modes of transportation and users such as bicyclists, buses and pedestrians are accommodated to promote complete use of the roadway. This safety project will also analyze traffic flow, and improvements will be incorporated that prioritize traffic safety but balance these other needs.”

The Route 14 resurfacing project stretches from Route 1 (Marine Corps Drive) through Chalan San Antonio to Route 14B (Ypao Road). This federally funded project began in January 2023 with a budget of $13.3 million. The contract was awarded to Hawaiian Rock Products.

According to DPW's Draft Guam Transportation Improvement Plan, the project is now 67% complete.

Ibanez said these are not Guam's first bike lanes. And indeed, bike lane markings can still be seen on Pale San Vitores Road in Tumon, Farenholt Avenue, and Carlos Camacho Road in Tamuning.

The difference between the existing bike lane markings and the newly created lanes on Chalan San Antonio is the dedicated space that separates the cyclists from other motorists.

Ibanez said DPW — in collaboration with the Office of the Governor and the Guam Cycling Federation — are creating awareness campaigns through press releases and social media.

Danilo Tinsay is the secretary of the Tamuning/Tumon/Harmon Municipal Planning Council.

He said while the Municipal Planning Council was consulted, its participation in the six-year long project was minimal.

Certain buildings constructed along Route 14 did not have adequate parking when they were built throughout the years, leading patrons to use the outside lane for parking, he said.
 The bike lanes could lead to potential conflict and confusion between cyclists and motorists.

"I’m familiar with utilizing bike lanes. But here in Guam, the bike lanes that are being implemented are for three blocks and then it ends. From there it's an open road until I see another bike lane for one block. I stopped riding my bike on the road in Guam. When I do, I find myself having to ride on the sidewalk. It’s just safer," Tinsay said.

An awareness campaign is needed.

In places the bike lane narrows and motorists are encroaching on its path. Additionally, given the lack of parking, motorists are parking on them (See photos).

Eric Tydingco, president of the Guam Federation of Cyclists; said such bike lanes are common.

“What you’re seeing being implemented on Route 14 — Chalan San Antonio — is what is being done in cities across the mainland (United States). DPW and the Federal Highway Division did their homework on how to establish these bike paths.

“Yes, it can be confusing for motorists, however these paths add to the safety measures for both cyclists and motorists,” Tydingco said.

To address concerns about road safety, Ibanez said DPW is working on educational campaigns with various stakeholders. “We aim to ensure that as Guam's infrastructure evolves, safety, accessibility, and community input remain integral components of planning and the implementation processes.”

Safety concerns are justified.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are numerous safety benefits when converting traditional shared bicycle lanes to a separate path designated exclusively for bicycles. Bike lanes can reduce crashes by up to 53% for bicycle/vehicle crashes. Bicycle lane additions can reduce crashes by up to 49% for total crashes on urban and local 4-lane roads and by 30% for total crashes on urban and local 2-lane roads.

Tydingco said that former Senator Telena Nelson brought GFC and DPW together to get the conversation going on bike safety and implementing bike lanes. He said that was the first meaningful conversation.

"As far back as I can remember, GFC had never been invited to sit in on conversations regarding bike safety or bike lane implementation," Tydingco said.

Regarding the choice of Route 14, Tydingco clarified that GFC had suggested alternative routes during discussions with DPW.

"We'd like to see it on the main thoroughfare, but DPW was realistic about the constraints. They explained that there isn’t enough room for bike paths on Route 1," Tydingco said.

Tydingco then suggested that DPW first create bike lanes in the southern part of the island.

He said, "While there are only two lanes down south, the reduced population translates to fewer vehicles on the road, making drivers more respectful towards cyclists. Despite occasional honks, cyclists generally experience better treatment from drivers in the south.” 

However, Tydingco said Vincent P. Arriola, director of DPW; told him that the cost would become more expensive, because the infrastructure spans about ten miles long.

Tydingco then proposed a central loop as a potential starting point for bike lane implementation. This loop, starting at the Agana Shopping Center and extending up Route 4, was seen as a more manageable project, due to its shorter distance compared to the extensive southern loop.

He said choosing a central loop as a starting point could be a more feasible endeavor, considering the distance involved in the south.

The central loop, especially along Route 10 in Mangilao, offers ample space for dedicated bike lanes without compromising existing road features.

He said Arriola told him that road resurfacing projects not tied to federal funding are not obligated to include bike lanes.

While new road construction must adhere to federal safety regulations, existing road improvements aren’t obligated to add bike lanes.

“But after our discussions and consultation there was really nothing. I didn't see anything, and then suddenly, I see these bike lanes (on Route 14), and I'm very impressed.

This says, 'bike lane,’ and the way it's marked out is the way I've seen it in the mainland,” Tydingco said.

Although GFC did not suggest Route 14, he remains grateful that there are bike paths.

“I don't think many cyclists, at least the ones I know of, use that route, But it's better than nothing. So maybe that's just the first step in trying to identify other areas,” he said.

Route 10 in Mangilao would be the perfect section of road to implement bike paths because the road has more than enough space to do so, he said.
However, in his opinion DPW would need to repave the existing route. Tydingco said.

"Route 10 is just horrendous. Especially if you're on a bike, it's just terrible. But I see there is room for some modification for bike lanes if they can get the money for it. I know it was a combination of DPW looking for federal money to help.”

Tydingco said he believes DPW was also trying to work with the Department of Defense.

“They (DPW) know that with the (military) build-up, there's money coming in for infrastructure improvement, and I'm certain that roads are going to be one of
them,” he said.

What the federation saw during the COVID pandemic was a tremendous increase in the number of cyclists, he said.

“As a federation, our membership hovered around 120 before the pandemic. We’ve more than doubled that. There were up to 300 people signing up for the federation.”

He said the increase in the number of cyclists is not isolated to Guam. “It was global cycling, which just took off. My anecdotal rationalization of that was that gyms were closed,” he said.

Tydingco expressed a sense of increased safety due to the growing number of cyclists on the roads. He attributed this to the expanding cycling community, noting that as more people take up cycling, there is a greater understanding and empathy among motorists towards cyclists.

"Now it's personal. That could be somebody I know." 

According to Guam Public Law 31-189, “Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway is granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention figures show nearly 1,000 bicyclists die and more than 130,000 are injured in crashes that occur on roads in the United States every year.

Although Guam hasn’t reported many serious bicycle accidents in recent years, the island is no stranger to such tragedy.

Eric Bell, regional vice president of Triple B Forwarders and a cyclist; was struck by a vehicle in Dededo on June 2, 2016, and died.

He succumbed to his injuries after 15 days in hospital. Bell was walking his bicycle across Marine Corps Drive when he was struck by a blue 1995 Honda Accord near the Micronesia Mall.

Tydingco emphasized that the Guam Cycling Federation continues to promote cycling, increase awareness, and create safer road conditions for everyone. He said he believes the visibility of cyclists contributes to safer roads, as it humanizes the individuals on bikes for motorists.

He expressed hope for further developments in bike infrastructure and safety measures and said he would love to see GCF collaborate with DPW again. He said that the federation produced a public service announcement about six years ago and it’s still on the GCF Facebook page. “I appreciate the willingness of DPW to try to work with us on this and am happy to re-engage with them to move this along.”

The business community supports cycling, especially if it brings in sports tourism, he said.

He highlighted the positive economic impact of cycling events, such as attracting tourists who stay longer on the island, benefiting local businesses. Tydingco said he sees cycling as a niche sport but one that can contribute to Guam's economy through sports tourism, such as the the success of events like the Tour of Guam.

Tydingco said he is not giving up on the idea of bicycle lanes throughout the island, especially in the south because of the scenic routes.

A more comprehensive bike lane infrastructure would enhance tourism, he said. “We just finished having our most successful bike race — the “Tour of Guam” in December. We have a lot of cyclists coming from Korea for our races. Some of them are so in love with this island and their race experience.” mbj