The goal of building better bikeways

The goal of building better bikeways

By Deborah Brasket/Looking Forward

Stimulated by the cost of fuel, more and more people are looking for cheaper ways to travel. Some are fixing up old bicycles or buying new ones, turning to pedal power for short trips to work or around town.

Those who live in Santa Maria, however, are finding that biking around town is not as safe and convenient as elsewhere in the county. But that may be about to change.

 “Santa Maria is the worst place to ride bikes,” claimed one bike rider at a public workshop on June 9. Many among the 30-plus participants murmured agreement. They were advising public works staff on plans for updating the city's Bikeway Masterplan. And they had plenty of complaints, as well as recommendations.

A common complaint was the lack of striped bike lanes along such major corridors as Broadway and Main. Seemingly, the only safe places to ride bikes along those streets are the sidewalks, where many bicyclists can be found.

Participants suggested adding striped lanes to all major north/south and east/west traffic corridors, including in the northwest part of town, where they are noticeably lacking.

Others complained that the striped lanes appeared narrower than the required three feet.

Often, bicyclists must negotiate the raised lip between the gutter and the asphalt, which can be dangerous to both bikers and drivers.

Many participants commented on the lack of bike stands outside major shopping centers, including the mall. Bike lockups should be included in every new public facility and commercial development. Storage for bikes at the new transit center is needed so commuters can store their bikes for the ride home.

Zoning ordinances are needed that require builders to include bike lanes and lockups in all major developments, both commercial and residential. Some cities require major employers to include bike facilities, including lockers and showers, in their building plans.

Several bike riders complimented the city for the great off-road, multi-use trail along Skyway Drive near the airport. They'd like to see that connected to Waller Park. Others suggested connecting a bikeway along the railroad tracks to the Santa Maria levee bikeway.

All agreed that connecting the dots is important. Currently bike lanes are infrequent and disconnected. Signage showing the locations of major bike routes also is needed.

Many hoped for a more regional approach to planning bikeways. Better connections between Orcutt and Santa Maria were suggested, as well as extending the bikeway along the levee between Santa Maria and Guadalupe.

Promotions encouraging biking were also suggested. Some cities sponsor bike rodeos for young people, or bike-to-work days that encourage all of us to get out of our cars, save fuel, reduce our carbon footprint, and adopt a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Using pedal-power to get around town is good not only for the bike rider and the environment, but also for drivers. Every time someone pedals to work or the store instead of taking the car, he or she is donating the unused portion of the road and unused parking space to drivers. Fewer cars on the road means less traffic for drivers, less time commuting, shorter lines at the gas pump, and fewer tax dollars needed for roadway maintenance or traffic control.

Who knows, if we all pedaled more and pumped less, we might even be able to bring down fuel prices.

But one thing's for certain - biking instead of driving is a win/win for everyone.

We'll look forward to reviewing Santa Maria's draft Bikeway Masterplan when it comes out in the fall. Building better bikeways should be part of every All-America City's claim to fame.

Deborah Brasket is executive director for the Santa Barbara County Action Network (SB CAN). She can be reached at 722-5094. Looking Forward runs every

Friday, providing a progressive viewpoint on local issues.

June 27, 2008