As part of Culver City’s efforts to become a more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly community, the city is considering constructing a protected bike lane along Washington Boulevard, from Wesley Street to Ince Boulevard.
The purpose: To provide a safe, family-friendly connection for bike riders traveling from the Expo Line Station to Downtown.
A public workshop will be held at City Hall pn Saturday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m. in the ground-floor Dan Patacchia Room.
The city invites residents, business owners, and other stakeholders along the corridor to attend.
“As we celebrate our Centennial year, we are also looking to the next 100 years,” said Mayor Jim Clarke.
“We know our future is more walkable, bikeable, and transit-oriented. With the success of the Metro Expo Line, it is important to plan for greater connectivity between our station and Downtown.“
What is a protected bike lane?
A protected bike lane is a relatively new type of bike lane in the United States that is very common in European cities. Protected bike lanes separate bike riders from moving traffic with a physical barrier, such as a curb, bollards, planters, or parked cars. Among examples are Broadway in Long Beach; Reseda Boulevard and Los Angeles Street in Los Angeles; and Rosemead Boulevard in Temple City. If approved, this project would be the first protected bike lane in Culver City.
What changes are being considered for Washington Boulevard?
To accommodate a protected bike lane on Washington Boulevard, City Hall is considering changes to the street including turn lanes, driveway access, parking, and traffic signals. This project may require additional right-of-way in limited locations.
How can I find out more information?
Attend the workshop a week from Saturday to see conceptual project plans and provide input to the Culver City Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Eric Bruins may be reached at 310.253.5616 or eric.bruins@culvercity.org.
Love the general idea of this. Hate the timing.
The idea that staff is not just looking to gain approval of this concept, but looking to have a shovel ready plan approved, is a huge mistake.
The TOD visioning process is about to commence. Bike lane configuration in the TOD is one of the many components that will studied in the forthcoming fully open and public process. The path as currently designed at Washington and National is a failure of our City and needs to be addressed further.
Approving a specific configuration of this protected path at this moment would be a HUGE mistake and would hinder the TOD mobility visioning tremendously.
If, by chance, the City changes their approach to what type of approvals they seek, then maybe some sort of qualified plan wouldn’t be a bad idea to approve now.
We must be sure that any future changes to the mobility concerns within the Arts District be done so with careful, coordinated, inclusive planning.
Now is not the time to approve this project.