Legislation to Speed Up Development of Bike Lanes, Walkways in Coastal Areas Goes to Governor

SACRAMENTO – Legislation by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, to cut unnecessary red tape in the development of bike lanes, dedicated transit lanes and pedestrian walkways along California’s coastline passed the Senate on Thursday and was sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Senate Bill 689 makes it easier for local governments to amend their Local Coastal Programs (LCPs), which are required coastal planning documents approved by the California Coastal Commission, when adding bike lanes, dedicated transit lanes or pedestrian walkways to projects.

Under the bill, local governments can pursue the changes through the Coastal Commission’s “de minimis” process, meaning they can avoid the costly and timely process of going through the full process of formally updating their LCP with a public hearing and other requirements.

“We want to encourage projects in coastal areas that make non-driving options easier and safer,” Sen. Blakespear said. “SB 689 cuts out unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that can delay bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, or discourage local governments from pursuing them.”

The legislation is sponsored by the City of San Diego, which could not add protected bike lanes on busy West Point Loma Boulevard in October 2023 as part of a planned resurfacing project due to the Coastal Commission approvals required. Sadly, in the following weeks, a 41-year old woman bicyclist was struck from behind by a vehicle on the road and hospitalized with a fractured pelvis.

The accident demonstrated both the need for the bikes lanes and the danger when safety improvements are delayed. Under SB 689, the bike lanes could have been added as part of the project and perhaps prevented the accident.

The bill is also supported by the California Coastal Commission, League of California Cities, California Bicycle Coalition, Bike San Diego, Circulate San Diego, Ride San Diego, City of Santa Monica, Santa Barbara County and Streets for All.

Elected in 2022, Sen. Blakespear represents Senate District 38, which covers northern San Diego County and part of Orange County. To learn more about the district and Sen. Blakespear, visit her Senate website.