Readers React: The perils of the PCH

To the editor: Congratulations to Malibu for addressing the traffic safety issues along its stretch of Pacific Coast Highway. (“Driven to curb crashes,” July 13, and “Malibu ranch owner fought to stop PCH,” July 13) However, who is going to champion the stretch between Santa Monica and Malibu?

As a bike rider who uses PCH weekly, it is nothing short of perilous along this section of the road. There is either an extremely narrow shoulder or in some cases none at all. Unsafe for cars; deadly for bike riders.

Who will be the one to get it going? By chance, was there any loose change from the millions spent widening the 405 at the Sepulveda Pass?

Stephen Saks, Santa Monica

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To the editor: Given the geographic constraints, the state of California has done an incredibly thorough job of improving the flow of traffic on PCH, dealing with the cliffs and hillsides slipping and sliding toward the ocean and the throngs of tourists who come to surf or swim, marvel at the Pacific Ocean, take in the classic California sunset or whatever. Caltrans has done a fantastic job of maintaining and enhancing the beauty of the area while keeping the flow of traffic as smooth and efficient as possible.

The problem is not the road, it’s the people on it.

Tourists can’t focus on driving when there are so many beautiful beach homes and beautiful people to see, let alone the pounding surf.

And the same people who block public access to public property also use the highway as if it were theirs alone, barreling up and down.

What needs to change the most is the attitude of the drivers.
Lincoln G. Riley, Culver City

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To the editor: PCH is a most scenic route for motorists, and it should be valued in this way. The fast flow of traffic is not conducive to leisure driving and for observing that magnificent Pacific Ocean.

I have been traveling on PCH for years, where I received my first and only speeding ticket in the mid-

1940s while showing off in Mom’s spiffy red convertible. I learned a good lesson then. I don’t speed, and for sure I don’t show off in a car anymore.

PCH can be a very lovely ride if the motorists would just slow down.

Lois Eisenberg, Valencia

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To the editor: Thank you for including the “historical back story.” To me, Malibu ranch owner May Rindge was a hero.

She knew what the new highway would bring to her beloved mountains, streams and beaches. Her “stalling action” is part of the reason Malibu is not as overdeveloped as some of our coast.

Victoria Mudd, Sherman Oaks