City plans safer bike routes amid rising e-bike usage

In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the ongoing implementation of the South Bay Bicycle Master Plan, originally adopted in 2011. The plan aims to enhance bicycle infrastructure as streets are resurfaced, a commitment that has gained urgency due to the increasing number of cyclists, including children and e-bike users, in the area.

Council members highlighted the progress made since 2019, including the installation of bike lanes on Main Street and Grand Avenue. However, concerns were raised about the resurfacing of El Segundo Boulevard, which was completed without adding bike lanes, leading to increased safety risks for cyclists. In response to community outcry, the council established a multimodal committee to ensure that future resurfacing projects incorporate necessary bike lanes.

The discussion also touched on the need for improved communication and transparency among city departments regarding capital improvement projects. Council members emphasized the importance of adapting the bicycle master plan to reflect current transportation trends and safety needs, particularly for routes leading to schools.

Several gaps in the current bike lane network were identified, including El Segundo Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue, which remain hazardous for cyclists. The council expressed a desire to explore solutions for these areas, particularly in establishing safe routes to schools, where many children currently face dangerous conditions while biking.

The meeting concluded with a call for further collaboration with the school district to develop comprehensive strategies for safe routes, ensuring that policies align with school traffic patterns. The council is committed to revisiting the bicycle master plan to better accommodate the evolving needs of the community and enhance overall safety for all modes of transportation.