The meeting of BikeWalkSolana, the Solana Beach Active Transportation Committee, was held on August 4, 2025, 5pm on Zoom. For invitations to future meetings, please email [email protected]

Agenda:

• Updates from the City
• Update on Bike & Urban Planning Display at the Solana Beach Library
• Update on San Diego County Bicycle Coalition Ambassadors Meeting
• New Business

Meeting Notes by Zoom AI / edits by Jill Cooper

In attendance: Douglas Alden, Karl Rudnick, Jill Cooper, Howard LaGrange, Paul Dickstein, Haley Johnson, Dan Goldberg, John Goodmacher, Shawna McGarry

Quick recap

The group reviewed three ongoing infrastructure projects including overlay work, corridor improvements, and sidewalk enhancements, with various construction timelines and pending approvals. They discussed two recent events – a triathlon and potential library bike event – while exploring ways to engage local advocates through the Bike Walk Coalition’s ambassador program. The conversation ended with updates on the Coastal Rail Trail project’s funding challenges and plans for addressing crosswalk parking laws, along with discussions about pursuing speed limit reductions and scheduling future council meetings.

Next steps

• Dan to share the Lomas Santa Fe paving map and striping plan link in the chat notes
• Dan to verify and share the bike lane buffer plans on the city’s website
• Dan to continue working with Caltrans for approval of the Lomas Santa Fe corridor project
• Dan to proceed with Glencrest sidewalk improvements design completion by end of year
• Shawna to follow up with Jack regarding his experience at the triathlon event
• Howard to contact Douglas about organizing an in-person Bike Walk Alliance meeting
• Howard to reach out to Nicole regarding her involvement with Bike Walk San Diego
• Howard to work with Pete Pensyres on starting up Bike Walk Carlsbad
• Douglas to find a September City Council meeting to discuss speed limit issues and coordinate with group members for unified public comment at the meeting.
• Dan continues evaluating and marking critical crosswalks for the new crosswalk daylighting law.

Summaries

Infrastructure Projects Update Meeting

The group discussed three major infrastructure projects. Dan reported that the Lomas Santa Fe West overlay project, which will add buffered bike lanes, is expected to begin in September and take 4-5 months. He also updated us on the Lomas Santa Fe Corridor Improvement Project, which includes a multi-use trail, bike lanes, and a sidewalk on the south side, with construction targeted for January 2026 pending Caltrans approval. The third project, Glencrest sidewalk improvements, is in final design stages with grant applications pending for construction funding.

Triathlon and Library Bike Events

The group discussed two main events: a recent triathlon and a potential bike-to-library event. Dan shared that he had provided contact information for the triathlon organizer, though Shawna noted they hadn’t received a response. Shawna mentioned that Jack, a college student interested in bike and walkability sustainability, had signed up for the triathlon and would like to develop a more detailed plan for next year. Regarding the library event, Douglas reported that Melissa had reached out to the head librarian but received no response. He suggested, should the library bike event be approved, speakers from the Association of Bike and Pedestrian Planners or the Coalition might address those attending.. The conversation ended with Howard explaining the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition’s ambassador program, which Karl had missed due to a scheduling conflict.

Bike Walk Coalition Ambassador Program

Howard discussed the Coalition’s Ambassador program, which aims to involve local advocates in providing information to the coalition about cycling-related issues in their areas. He suggested reviving local bike walk organizations by identifying and recruiting interested individuals, such as those in Vista, to help restart groups like Bike Walk Vista. Howard also mentioned the need for a broader meeting to discuss the Bike Walk Alliance. He will contact Douglas in person for further discussions. Karl noted that Nicole, who was previously involved, has shifted her focus to Bike SD, and Howard expressed a desire to reconnect with her.

Coastal Rail Trail Funding Update

The group discussed the status of the Coastal Rail Trail project in Oceanside, which requires $14 million for construction and is currently shovel-ready after completing environmental review and engineering design. Howard explained that while the project has faced funding challenges with costs increasing from $8 million to $14 million over several years, the city of Oceanside  plans to reapply for funding in the fall with a better chance of success due to being shovel-ready. Jonathan remarked that connecting the coastal cities with a continuous rail trail should be our goal. The discussion also covered the city’s annual pavement rehabilitation project, which will pave roads from the 101 between Solana Hills and the I-5 bridge, though work will stop at the Caltrans right-of-way due to permit constraints. The conversation ended with a discussion about pursuing a speed limit reduction, following the passage of AB43. Douglas plan to address the City Council in September, potentially combining multiple speakers to exceed the 3-minute public comment limit.

Crosswalk Parking Law Discussion

The group discussed a new law regarding crosswalk parking, which prohibits parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk on the leading side. Dan explained that while San Diego has been enforcing this law, Solana Beach is currently only issuing warnings.  The City of Solana Beach’s plan is to address illegal parking at critical crosswalks, potentially by painting curbs red to increase awareness. Douglas will look at the September City Council calendar to schedule a BikeWalkSolana presentation to address crosswalk parking awareness and lowering speed limits.