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Bike plan to shape Oceanside future
By: MARGA KELLOGG - Staff Writer | ∞
OCEANSIDE -- Imagine a system of paths that would give cyclists traffic-free routes to transit centers, business districts, and recreational facilities.
The paths, similar to the San Luis Rey River Trail, would parallel major roads such as Oceanside Boulevard, El Camino Real, and North Santa Fe Avenue. There could be bicycle lockers, for example, at stations serving the Sprinter light rail line, where cyclists could lock up their bikes and hop on the train. There might even be showers.
The concept is part of becoming a "bicycle friendly community," a designation which cities apply for and which is granted by the League of American Bicyclists. The award recognizes cities for "providing safe accommodation for cycling and encouraging its residents to bike for transportation and recreation," according to the League's website.
On Wednesday, the City Council will consider awarding a $129,407 contract to the IBI Group and KTU+A of San Diego to update the city's Bicycle Master Plan, a move that is key to achieving the designation .
"We're trying to elevate awareness in the community of the bicycle lifestyle and how it can help our city," said Howard LaGrange, an avid cyclist and chair of the Oceanside Bicycle Committee. "We're trying to make the community one that has a well-rounded quality of life."
The money comes from a $145,000 grant the city received from the San Diego Association of Governments in June 2006. The city will be updating its circulation element at the same time because planning future bicycle paths factors into many roadway planning issues, said John Amberson, city project manager for the circulation update.
The council in March directed staff members to pursue the designation, which is held by cities such as Davis, Palo Alto, and Chicago.
LaGrange, who is also a member of the city's Economic Development Commission and a business owner, said the bike paths dovetail with the city's economic development.
"How do you attract the right type of business for your community?" he asked. "You can say we have land, space, etc. But another approach is to have a community that companies want to come to. You want to develop a community that attracts the right type of companies."
The process of developing the update, which will expand on the city's 1996 recreational trails plan, will include public meetings and is expected to be finished in about six months, said Nathan Mertz, the city's park development coordinator.
"One thing I think a lot of people would love to see is expanded Class 1 trails," he said, describing such trails as exclusive rights of way for bicycles and pedestrians -- a road unto itself that has no interaction with cars.
"Right now the city's very well off with designated bike lanes on the streets, but when you have large scale roads and speed limits are 50 mph, a lot of people would like an off-street trail," he said.
Included in the update will be a more detailed plan for extending the San Luis Rey River trail 1.7 miles to the east, evaluation of the Sprinter corridor, and on the coast, looking at bike facilities downtown in a little more detail, Mertz said.
Regional bike plans created by the association of governments call for the San Luis Rey River trail to eventually extend all the way to Interstate 15. The trail would link up with the county's 6,000-acre river park project expected to run from East Vista Way to Interstate 15.
Councilman Rocky Chavez said the development of a bicycle-friendly city is good for recreation and as an alternate means of transportation.
"We're a society that needs to exercise more," he said. "As far as work, I lived in Washington, D.C., and a lot of people rode their bikes to work."
-- Contact Staff Writer Marga Kellogg at (760) 901-4067 or mkellogg@nctimes.com.
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Randy wrote on Aug 6, 2007 10:47 PM:Wasn't part of the proposed Sprinter bike path recently deleted by the NCTD?
Sorerearend wrote on Aug 7, 2007 4:19 AM:Long over due, and it is not too late to make a bike friendly path. Current bike trail is rated 'Death Wish'.
bike-friendly city wrote on Aug 7, 2007 7:19 AM:Wouldn't it be great for Oceanside to be famous for its bike-friendly environment. This reputation will help promote Oceanside as a healthy place to live and visit thus attracting a postiive element. I applaud Councilman Rocky Chavez for recognizing the benefits of cycling. I urge the city council to award the money to update the Bicycle Master Plan.
Oceansider wrote on Aug 7, 2007 7:37 AM:Wow -- am I dreaming? A genuine fresh, good, achievable idea that will absolutely benefit the city, its residents and visitors? Chavez is on the right path -- no pun intended -- and the city council should say YES!
Thomas wrote on Aug 7, 2007 8:13 AM: I have no axe to grind with those who wish to create a better bike friendly enviroment in Oceanside. I have observed as a South Oceanside resident that I rarely if ever see a bycycle on the new class one bike trail that follows Broadway between Vista Way and Cassidy. I have on frequent occasions experienced large numbers of bike riders blocking vehicle traffic on Broadway while totally ignoring the existence of the nearby bike path. I would think that a substantial amount of public money went into that pathway. There is now no excuse for a bycycle on that stretch of road to block car traffic on Broadway. I would suggest that the City prohibit bycycles on streets where a class one bike path has been provided.
Oh brother wrote on Aug 7, 2007 8:55 AM:One of the reasons the bike path is so dangerous on Oceanside Boulevard is due to him and his cronnies on the council, KFC, who keep voting for more and more development, which in turn brings more and more traffic. Would love to see the guy on a bike with his bad knees and all too.
Finally wrote on Aug 7, 2007 9:02 AM:How about safe bike riding routes to Oceanside's schools!!!
Oside Omar wrote on Aug 7, 2007 9:17 AM:If this will get those Tour De France wannabees off of Pacific Street than I'll support it. They don't obey traffic laws and slow traffic flow.
Nice wrote on Aug 7, 2007 9:30 AM:If John Amberson is involved - you know it will turn out to be a quality project! Make it happen John!
Amen to Oside Omar wrote on Aug 7, 2007 12:17 PM:TY. I saw a lady in Del Mar who wasnt even in a bike lane, she rode on the street. She was struggling to put her foot on the pedal and not fall off her bike and into traffic. I couldnt help yelling out "Leave it to the pros" She looked at me as if she couldnt believe I had just said it. I couldnt help thinking how ludicris it was to see her actually thinking that what she was doing is acceptable. Leave the streets to the cars people. Otherwise accept the reality that your chances of getting hit when riding the white line are really great. What do these bikers honestly expect from riding in streets????
To SELF Righteous Drivers wrote on Aug 7, 2007 2:41 PM:You all need to re-read your California drivers handbook. I commute to work everyday by bicycle, obey the traffic laws and what do I get? I get things thrown at me, yelled at(What gives you the right?), cars running red lights in front of me, cars making right turns without using their signals. You say we don't pay road use taxes, well I have news for you, we do, I have a truck and a motorcycle that I pay taxes on when I purchase fuel, but I choose to leave them parked to be a solution to the traffic problem not an addition to it. I was born in San Diego County and have lived here for 50 years and have whatched the congestion grow. If you don't like the traffic or bicycles, move back from where you came. As fuel prices continue to rise there will be more people dusting off their bicycles because they can't afford fuel for their cars. As for the traffic on pacific street, It is usually the cars that are slowing me down, you blame the bicyclist, but the truth is there are too many cars for that narrow street. They should close it off to cars altogether.
Matthew wrote on Aug 7, 2007 4:54 PM:Finally, a good idea.
Long Overdue wrote on Aug 7, 2007 4:59 PM:Everytime I ride in the "Bike Lane" I feel like I'm going to be killed a drunk driver. Nevertheless, I will not hold my breath waiting for this pie in the sky plan to actually happen. Wish in one hand . . .
Protect us wrote on Aug 7, 2007 5:27 PM:Please protect us from crazy drivers. Many of us obey the rules yet people seem to get a kick out of coming as close to us as they can. We are going to LOVE a community bike plan that includes the Oceanside Boulevard area. It's unsafe to ride bikes there now but with the right improvements it should be awesome!
Make us proud! wrote on Aug 7, 2007 8:55 PM:At last an idea for Oceanside that will improve the quality of life for existing residents and attract new residents who see the city headed in a positive direction.
Norman wrote on Jan 15, 2008 2:21 PM: This is the best thing that could happen for the people who lives and work in O'Side. I would hope that they will put people on this committee that ride bicycles and understand bicycle culture. I would suggest that this committee look to Copenhagen for inspiration on how to put it together.
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