Sen. Blakespear’s Legislation to Improve Bike Safety Passes Senate, Goes to Governor

SACRAMENTO – Legislation by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, to improve bike safety by prohibiting new sharrows from being installed on roads with speeds of 30 mph or greater passed the Senate on Thursday and was sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign.

SB 1216 also prohibits the state’s Active Transportation Program from funding Class III bikeways on roads with design speeds of 25 mph or more unless otherwise appropriate for the local community context and to create a lower stress environment. Class III bikeways are lanes for bicycles that are shared with motor vehicles. 

Sharrows are one type of Class III bikeway and are designated by chevron and bicycle markings. This is in contrast to other types of bikeways on road that are separated from car traffic by either a lane line or a physical barrier.  

“As we work to encourage bicycling to reduce car usage and greenhouse gas emissions, we must ensure that cyclists on the road are safe,” Sen. Blakespear said. “Sharrows can be dangerous to cyclists when cars are moving significantly faster than them, and that’s why it is important to limit the speeds allowed for sharrows.”

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.