$755K Raised For Bike Turnouts In Memory Of Lafayette's Joe Shami

MOUNT DIABLO, CA — Phase Two of bike safety turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park is set to get underway in late spring thanks to a successful fundraising campaign for a project inspired by the memory of Lafayette resident and legendary cyclist Joe Shami.

The Mount Diablo Bike Turnout campaign raised $755,090, exceeding its goal of $750,000, according to a recent announcement from the California State Parks Foundation, which has partnered with California State Parks and Mount Diablo Cyclists to build the second phase of turnouts.

For many years, cycling at Mount Diablo State Park has been a popular — but dangerous — activity. From 2010 to 2014, there was an average of 23 car and bike collisions per year. According to California State Park officials, this also frequently resulted in road rage showdowns between drivers and riders.

Bike 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 vehicles can pass safely. After the first turnouts were created, collisions dropped to three accidents in two years, and road rage significantly diminished.

With the completion of 30 bike turnouts in 2022, there are now 45 total within Mount Diablo State Park. The map below shows the locations of current and future bike turnouts at the park.

The project was inspired by the memory of Shami, who was a passionate advocate for increasing safety for bicyclists and cars at Mount Diablo State Park. Known by locals as "The Legend of Mount Diablo," Shami's passion for Mount Diablo State Park and cycling was exemplified by over a decade of weekly trips up the mountain well into his 80s.

In April 2021, Shami was struck and killed by a car while riding his bicycle in Lafayette.

"Although he is not with us today, Joe left a special gift in his will of $123,415.61 to California State Parks Foundation to fund additional bike turnouts on Mount Diablo," said Randy Widera, director of programs of the California State Parks Foundation.

In an incredible show of dedication to this work, California State Parks allocated the same amount as Shami's gift with an additional $123,415.61 from the department’s annual roads allocation funding.

Taking this initial funding as a challenge, a passionate group of volunteers comprised of Alan Kalin, Mark Dedon and Ted Trambley spent the past four months doing outreach in the park and at Peet's Coffee in Danville with locals, cyclists and visitors.

"We absolutely enjoyed all our time and effort meeting and speaking with the thousands of motorists and cyclists," said Alan Kalin. "The vast majority of folks understood the critical importance that bike turnouts could make, how they help prevent collisions and save lives."

Through their efforts and with the support of the California State Parks Foundation, they inspired over 300 individuals, organizations and companies to donate an additional $508,259.26, lifting the campaign to a total of $755,090.48 raised.

Currently, Phase Two of the Mount Diablo Bike Turnout project is anticipated to break ground in late spring.

"State Parks is very appreciative of the community's enthusiasm around this project," said Clint Elsholz, acting district superintendent of Diablo Range District. "The generosity of so many will accelerate our progress around enhancing safety measures at Mount Diablo State Park."