California pushes for safer bikeways amid rising traffic fatalities

Traffic fatalities among vulnerable road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, are on the rise in California, prompting state and local agencies to adopt the Vision Zero policy aimed at eliminating such deaths. During a recent government meeting, Assemblymember Laura Friedman introduced AB 2290, a bill designed to expedite the creation of safer bikeways across the state.

The bill seeks to leverage road repaving projects to incorporate bikeways that have already garnered community support. It establishes a pilot program within Caltrans to demonstrate how all 12 districts can implement bikeways more efficiently and cost-effectively. The proposed quick-build projects would utilize durable, low to moderate-cost materials, allowing for interim infrastructure that lasts between one to five years.

Key provisions of AB 2290 include the requirement that bicycle facilities identified in local plans be integrated into projects funded by the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program, and a limitation on the use of shared lane markings, or \"sharrows,\" to streets with speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less. This aims to enhance safety for cyclists, particularly in areas where high-speed traffic poses a significant risk.

Jeannie Waldwaller, representing Cal Bike, emphasized the urgency of the bill, noting that over 1,300 individuals died while walking or biking on California roadways in 2021—a 50% increase since 2013. The bill is seen as a necessary step to align state investments in bike facilities with best practices and to address the pressing need for safer transportation options.

Support for the bill was echoed by various stakeholders, including representatives from Streets For All and the Junior Philanthropist Foundation, who highlighted the importance of implementing effective policies to protect cyclists and promote active transportation.

In addition to AB 2290, the meeting also addressed AB 1853, which aims to update the governance and fiscal management of the San Joaquin Regional Transit District. This bill proposes to increase board member compensation and clarify investment options for the district's reserves, ensuring that board members are fairly compensated and can manage funds effectively.

Both bills reflect a broader commitment to improving transportation safety and equity in California, responding to the urgent need for infrastructure that supports sustainable and safe mobility for all residents.