In the heart of Encinitas, the Mobility and Traffic Safety Commission convened on May 22, 2025, to address pressing concerns regarding local roadway safety, particularly in relation to the recently installed CycleTrack. As the meeting unfolded, a stark revelation emerged: the installation of the CycleTrack has coincided with a significant increase in bicycle-related collisions.

A key presentation highlighted that there were 27 collisions recorded in the databases after the CycleTrack's installation, marking a 50% increase compared to the same period before its implementation. This alarming statistic was further supported by an additional 21 documented crashes from the 101 crash list, raising serious questions about the safety of the new infrastructure.

Commissioner Medox, who presented the findings, emphasized the importance of understanding the societal costs associated with these accidents. He referenced the 2022 Encinitas Local Roadway Safety Plan, which utilized a method called equivalent property damage only scoring to assess the financial impact of collisions. The analysis suggested that the CycleTrack has had a detrimental effect on safety, with hypothetical societal costs indicating a significant negative impact.

The discussion took a turn when Commissioner Abe White questioned the necessity of revisiting the presentation, suggesting that it had been previously covered. Medox defended the need for the update, pointing out that new data and a control segment analysis provided fresh insights into the safety concerns surrounding the CycleTrack.

As the meeting progressed, the atmosphere shifted to one of urgency, with commissioners and public attendees alike expressing their concerns about the safety implications of the CycleTrack. The public was invited to share their thoughts, with Marco Gonzales from Coast Law Group stepping forward to highlight the legal ramifications of increased accidents in the area.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion and action, as the commission recognized the pressing need to address the safety issues raised by the CycleTrack. As Encinitas grapples with these challenges, the community remains watchful, eager for solutions that will ensure safer roadways for all.