Local Group Applauds Encinitas City Council for Recent Bike Lane Changes

The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition (SDCBC) recently released a statement commending the Encinitas City Council for its to fund two bicycle roadway changes, including a new Class II bike lane and road striping plan and shared-lane markings.

The SDBC said the changes will generate awareness for shared roads in coastal North County—and because the effort was led by an Encinitas bicycle advocacy committee (BAC), it proves that resident-led advocacy efforts will continue to pave the path for bicycling improvements.

“We’re going to continue to work with community members and the local government to improve bicycle safety in the City of Encinitas,” said Encinitas cyclist Brian Grover, who serves as chair of the local BAC. “Receiving overwhelming support throughout this process is encouraging, and we commend the City for taking a step in the right direction. I look forward to our next victory.”

Andy Hanshaw, executive director of the SDCBC, said Ssan Diego County has recently seen an uptick in local BAC groups.

“San Diego’s bicycling community has created a unique model for our region—and country—that improves roads and paths for bicyclists neighborhood by neighborhood while following a consistent model for the county,” Hanshaw said. “These volunteers want to improve their communities to make bicycle riding easier and more common all year long.”

According to the SDBC, The newer Encinitas BAC follows the model used by the Oceanside’s Bicycle Committee, which started several years ago and is recognized by the city. Oceanside resident Howard LaGrange leads the group, which was instrumental in helping the city become designated as an American Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.

Other communities with BAC’s include Chula Vista (also recognized as an American Bicycle Friendly Community), Coronado, Solana Beach and the City of San Diego’s Council District Two.

For more information about San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, or starting a Bicycle Advisory Committee, please visit www.sdcbc.org.