VICTORY: San Diego City Council Approves $312 Million Bicycle Master Plan Update

San Diego County Bicycle Coalition applauds City for long-term bicycling vision  

SAN DIEGO, December 9, 2013 – Today San Diego City Council approved its Bicycle Master Plan Update, citywide policy to guide the development and maintenance of San Diego’s bicycle network including roadways, support facilities and non-infrastructure programs through the next twenty years.  The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, an organization protecting the rights of all people who ride bicycles, says this is a historic step toward a regional bicycle network of interconnected corridors, support facilities and programs to make bicycling a viable form of transportation in the county.

“Bicycling transforms our city and our communities, and we need safer routes to encourage more people to ride to their jobs, local business districts and for everyday travel,” says Andy Hanshaw, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition. “Interim Mayor Todd Gloria and City Council continue to be strong advocates for bicycling in San Diego and I want to thank them for seeking the input of our members.” 

San Diego’s current bicycle infrastructure includes approximately 500 miles of bike-friendly roads, routes and paths. The new plan includes an assessment of the existing infrastructure and recommends increased bicycle parking, improved bicycle signage, bicycle safety courses and approximately 878 miles of proposed bike lanes and bike routes throughout San Diego County.

Highlights for the Bicycle Coalition include:

• Bike share – San Diego County unanimously approved the implementation of a bike share system with DECO Bikes to implement as early as January 2014
• CicloSDias – In the recent success of San Diego’s first-ever open streets celebration, the plan incorporates an outline for future CicloSDias events
• Safety enhancements – The plan increases safety precautions for bicyclists such as green and expanded bike lanes

The projected improvements to the current bicycle infrastructure provide anyone on a bicycle with better access to local businesses, transit centers, shopping districts, parks and other amenities for locals and tourists alike. With approval of this plan, Hanshaw says San Diego ensures twenty years of bicycle advancements and that bicycle commuting is a trend that is growing, not going away.

To learn more about the Bicycle Master Plan Update, click here. For more information on the Bicycle Coalition’s strategic initiatives, visit www.sdcbc.org.

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SAN DIEGO COUNTY BICYCLE COALITION: (SDCBC) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for and protects the rights of all people who ride bicycles. They promote bicycling as a mainstream, safe and enjoyable form of transportation and recreation.  For more information, go to www.sdcbc.org.