The Beach: Safety for novice riders and skaters

A simple solution to the problem of where at the Santa Monica beach to learn to ride a bike or to rollerblade: The city should set aside the long, wide and unused roadway that extends alongside Barnard Way between the beach parking lots just north and just south of Ocean Park Boulevard. The area has short-term and all-day parking, and is close to two bike and skate rental stands. The designation of this area -- with signage there and elsewhere in the parking lots and along the beach walkway and the bike path -- would be especially appreciated by parents who are now forced to put their children at risk on the bike path or in the parking lots. Conveniently, it's located right next to the playground and to the snack stand, for those who have kids at different skill levels.