Motorcyclists swarm around car on Almaden Expressway
Q Sunday on Almaden Expressway, a group of about 30 motorcyclists came up behind our car. They surrounded us in all lanes, in front and behind us. They were standing on the cycle seats, popping wheelies, knocking on our windows and stopping oncoming traffic at intersections on red lights to make illegal turns. As I put the video on Facebook, I see this is more and more common. What should we do in this situation? — Janet Smith, San Jose A Call 911. If a cop is nearby, these stupid motorcyclists may disperse and behave better. At least we can hope. Q On the ride home on the stretch of Interstate 280 between Magdalena Avenue and Foothill Expressway is an electronic sign that tells drivers how long it will take to get to San Jose State, Mountain View and Los Gatos.
Seeing these times helps me plan what route I will take home. But for some time now, much of this sign has been obscured by tree branches. Is there someone who can prune these branches so the sign can be seen fully? — Ross Langner, San Jose A A branch trimming plea is in and crews will be out in the near future. But you are one of the few who tell me these time estimates are helpful. Do drivers find these signs helpful?
Q
When you talk about a bicycle lane between El Camino Real and Homestead Road, it might be helpful to readers not quite as in the know as the writer to let us know what street the bike lane will be on. — Larry Yelowitz, Kevin Kelleher, Ronny Tey and others A Details, details. Along San Tomas Expressway.
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There is a long debate on the East Foothills NextDoor regarding the “No Turn on Red” signs that were installed with the new bus lanes on Alum Rock Avenue. As there are red arrow lights, it’s my understanding that no turns on red are allowed. This situation is complicated by the sign being removed by vandals repeatedly. What’s the deal on turning on the red at the off-ramp? Are both right turn lanes affected? It would be nice to retire this long, boring thread from NextDoor. — Sandy Carvalho, San Jose A Yes, both lanes are affected. I know the ban on right turns can back up traffic to Interstate 680, but the ban went in after drivers on Alum Rock complained about 680 drivers cutting across several lanes to make a left turn at the next intersection. Q I want to give a shoutout to the kind gentleman who stopped to help a homeless man at about 1:30 p.m. Friday on the offramp at Highway 87 and Curtner Avenue. It made my heart hurt to see such kindness and to know we haven’t lost our humanity entirely. — Michael Yerly A Kindness to our fellow man is good.