BikeWalkSolana Meeting (Zoom), Oct 7, 2024

The meeting of BikeWalkSolana, the Solana Beach Active Transportation Committee, was held on Oct 7, 2024, 5pm on Zoom. For invitations to future meetings, please email [email protected]

Agenda:

  • Updates from the City
  • New Business
  • Announcements
    • The City of Solana Beach and the San Diego County Bike Coalition have scheduled the following classes:
    • City of Solana City Council Meeting 9 Oct 2024
      • The Council will be considering an update to the City’s Climate Action Plan – Agenda Item C.1. Climate Action Plan Update. (Staff Report)
      • The 2024 CAP Update establishes new GHG emission reduction targets consistent with AB 1279 and other State legislation and identifies GHG emission reduction pathways, measures, and actions to help the City achieve its emission reduction targets and further reduce near-term emissions.
      • One the of the factors studied in the 2024 CAP Update is decarbonizing transportation, with one of the vision goals as “(p)opular destinations within Solana Beach, such as shopping centers and schools, are easily accessible by electric buses, safe bicycle lanes, and pedestrian pathways.” [Emphasis added]
      • Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution 2024-099 adopting the Climate Action Plan Update.
      • Please consider sending the Council a letter of support to encourage the Council to adopt the resolution.
    • UCSB’s The Current recently published an article about Using Ai In Pursuit Of Better Bike Paths, key takeaways include:
      • Train AI training with Google Street View data, OpenStreetMap and an advisory committee
      • Rank bike routes from easy to expert
      • Cartographer will create digital and physical maps from the AI model
      • Develop a regional wayfinding system
      • Scalable and replicable throughout the state
      • Improve cyclist safety
      • Help facilitate a shift from driving to bicycling

Meeting Notes by Zoom AI / edits by Jill Cooper

Those attending on Zoom included Douglas Alden, Karl Rudnick, Jewel Edson, Paul Dickstein, Dan Goldberg,Shawna McGarry, Jill Cooper.

Quick recap

The team discussed the city’s annual Pavement Restoration project, and upcoming cycling classes. They also discussed the delivery of a voting center pod to the City Hall parking lot and the potential impact on a class. Lastly, they discussed strategies for promoting upcoming city cycling classes, the importance of bike lane width, and the promotion of e-bikes among children.

Next steps

  • Dan to investigate potential for widening bike lanes on northbound Highway 101 in Solana Beach.
  • Douglas to write and submit a letter on behalf of Bike Walk Solana supporting the Climate Action Plan update.
  • Shawna to follow up with school principals to promote upcoming City Cycling class on October 27th in their newsletters.

Summaries

Pavement Restoration Updates

Dan provided updates on the city’s annual Pavement Restoration project, which includes the start of concrete and pavement work next week, the addition of speed cushions on Highland Drive, and the potential extension of lane line refreshing into November. Douglas raised questions about the extent of the striping, to which Dan clarified that the city aims to restripe more areas beyond just the project locations. Dan also mentioned the feasibility of restriping the roads once a year due to the lack of a dedicated striping machine. The conversation ended with Dan confirming that the concrete work is underway and the asphalt work will begin in a week, according to the contractor.

Improving Cycling Class Outreach and Instructors

Douglas initiated a discussion about upcoming cycling classes and the need for better outreach. Karl expressed concerns about the low turnout for their classes, suggesting that Solana Beach’s  population size might not be sufficient to support them. He also highlighted the need for more instructors, particularly those who can effectively teach cycling skills to diverse groups. Shawna shared her positive experience with a class at Skyline School, while Dan inquired about the scheduling of a city cycling class on October 27th. The team agreed to consider ways to improve their outreach and instructor availability.

Voting Center Pod Delivery and Class Impact

Karl, Dan, and Douglas discussed the upcoming delivery of a voting center pod to the City Hall parking lot. Dan informed us that the pod, which is a small 8 by 8 structure, could be delivered between October 27th and 31st, and it may or may not be in the parking lot during the class. Karl expressed concern about the potential impact on the class and suggested that the pod could be dropped off in the afternoon. Dan mentioned that he could forward the request to the City Clerk to discuss with the Registrar of Voters. Karl also suggested that Kristine should be prepared for any changes and could potentially improvise by going to the CDC or other nearby locations.

Douglas and Karl discussed upcoming training sessions, including a ‘Drive with Care’ training and 2 ‘City Cycling’ sessions. Karl emphasized the importance of the ‘Drive with Care’ training, which teaches motorists how to react to cyclists. It was suggested to promote to older drivers, but this is information by which all motorists can benefit.

Climate Action Plan

Douglas also mentioned the upcoming Climate Action Plan Update, urging everyone to read it and potentially write a letter to the council in support. Lastly, Douglas shared information about a research project at UC Santa Barbara using AI to improve bike routes, suggesting the possibility of regional wayfinding.

Bike Lane Width Concerns and Infrastructure Limitations

Karl expressed his concern about the narrowness of the bike lane on 101, suggesting that an extra foot could make a significant difference in comfort for cyclists. Dan agreed to look into the possibility of widening the lane, acknowledging the limitations due to the existing infrastructure. Karl also shared his experience of the difference in width between the northbound and southbound bike lanes between Swamis and the Kook, emphasizing the importance of width in making people feel comfortable.

Promoting City Cycling Classes and E-Bike Policy

The team discussed strategies for promoting upcoming City Cycling classes, particularly focusing on the October 27th class. They agreed on the need for a large turnout and discussed various communication channels to reach potential participants. The class was deemed suitable for those over 12 years old. The team also discussed planning bike route classes, with a focus on safety, and the use of e-bikes among children. They considered involving parents and schools in the promotion and discussed a new law in San Diego County which would allow cities to pass local ordinances about bicycling, including  limiting e-bike use to those over 12 years old. The team agreed to continue working on the promotion of e-bikes, with a focus on safety and age restrictions.

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