5 out of 5 on
Cyclists recently appeared en masse before a Goleta City Council meeting, demanding that the city restripe the roads in Old Town to allow for dedicated bicycle lanes.
The Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition (SBBC) claims that Old Town residents, businesses, and visitors have been waiting for 15 years for bike lanes on Hollister Avenue. The Director of SBCC spoke to the Goleta City Council and asked once again that the city consider painting bike lanes on Old Town roads.
“Three bicyclists have been killed in the last 15 years,” he told the council. “We’d like to request a process that can end up with those bike lanes.”
A group of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo planning students had conducted a series of public workshops before the council meeting. Those workshops focused on what was needed in Old Town to improve safety. Many of the residents stressed the need for safe biking and walking areas.
The results of those workshops were presented at the city council meeting.
One Old Town resident complained that the demarcated “sharrows” — painted reminders on the road that motorists need to share the road with bicyclists — abruptly end under Highway 217.
“What are you supposed to do?” she told the council. “Every time we ride, we put our lives in the hands of others that share the road with us.”
According to Noozhawk, the Goleta City Council has not committed to restriping the roads to allow for dedicated bicycle lanes, but the city manager said it could be considered in the July council meeting.
The bicycle accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Reneé J. Nordstrand support any measures that will make the roads in the Santa Barbara area safer for cyclists. If you have been injured by a negligent motorist or have fallen victim to unsafe road conditions, we are here to help. Our experienced legal team can quickly gather and preserve evidence, and will aggressively seek compensation for damages you have suffered.
If you have questions about your legal options, call our Santa Barbara office at (805) 962-2022 or our Encino office at (818) 981-3530. Your initial consultation is always free.