Park Avenue Bike Lanes: Descent

On 6 December the LB Department of Public Works completed bike-lanes on Park Avenue, from Wendt Terrace to Alta Laguna Blvd. The project was completed on request from the school district to manage eBikes and bicycles near Thurston Intermeeiate School. 

It is noteworthy of this project that 

• the posted speed limits were not reduced
• on-street parking was retained
• the motorist lane width was greatly reduced
• Sharrows were considered inappropriate
• no traffic counts (measurements) were taken
  

No cyclist advocacy nor bicycle retailers nor cycling organizations were consulted for this project.

LB Public Works said:

"This project was initiated at the request of the School District and City Council, with the primary goal of improving safety for bicyclists. The Class II Bike Lane was designed by the City’s consultant Traffic Engineer, under the guidance of the City Engineer. Given the posted speed limits on Park Avenue, sharrows were not considered as they are not recommended for roads with higher speeds. Therefore, buffer zones were incorporated into the design to provide an additional layer of safety for cyclists (emphasis LS).

The project underwent extensive public review and was discussed in four public meetings, offering ample opportunities for public feedback; however, the individuals mentioned in your email were not directly consulted during the process. The Planning Commission conditionally approved the project at its February 7, 2024, meeting, and subsequently approved modified conditions at the August 21, 2024, meeting. "

 

Motorists and cyclists may decide for themselves whether the bike-safety objective was met. Join me on a gutter-bunny descent of Park Avenue from Alta Laguna to Santa's Beach Shack with a stop at Thurston  Intermediate School

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When the automobile remains king-of-the-road then killer traffic engineers hand us roadway designs like this one.  Next week the ascent of Park Avenue.

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LS

The What the Fuzz Page

Welome to Laguna Streets WTF Page! 

In 15-years of mobility Advocacy maybe it's time this page was posted. These examples intend to show the absurdity of solutions proposed for modern sustainable living, in particular mobility planning.

WTF #1  The Guillotine - an electric vehicle to reduce carbon emissions and address climate-change. Sustainably tows 11,000 pounds, exterminates pedestrians and cyclists at first encounter, only $60,000.

 

WTF #2 The Recycle Code -  The NOT-Recycle Code to encourage recycling consumer packaging films.

 

WTF #3  Park Avenue Bikelanes for Gutter-Bunnies - shown are the new provisions completed 6 December 2024.

 

WTF #4 Park Avenue Motorist Scrambles - motorists in a school zone are confused enough to slow down. Provisions completed 6 December 2024.

 

If you have examples to share do let us know, forward your example and photo via eMail or the Comments to post here.

-LS

Caltrans Relinquishment of PCH to Laguna

It Started.  The intent to gain control of Laguna Canyon Road began with a letter from the City of Laguna Beach to Sacramento showing legislative intent and a  bill in Sacramento led to the relinquishment of LCR by Caltrans. Now there's this from Sacramento for South Coast Highway.

 AB 2817 - which authorizes the California Transportation Commission to consider the relinquishment of a segment of Pacific Coast Highway or State Route 1 that runs through the City of Laguna Beach to the City. This bill is needed before discussions of a relinquishment with the State and City could even begin.

 

 -LS