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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/20/2026 Item 4c, Abrecht David Abrecht < To:Advisory Bodies Subject:Prado Road Improvements Attachments:Prado Road Improvements.docx Hello, attached are my comments to be presented to the ACT meeting on May 26, 2026. Agenda Item 4c2. Thank you. Dave David Abrecht Los Osos, California 805-801-9211 Sent from my iPad “The best thing to do to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something.” - Barrack Obama 1 Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the May 20, 2026 Active Transportation Committee agenda item 4c2, the Prado Road Interchange and Prado Creek Bridge Projects - Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Staff Report. I am a long-time member of the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club and have enjoyed cycling throughout San Luis Obispo County since moving here in 2003. For a number of years, I served the club as the Bicycle Advocate working with groups like Bike SLO County, SLOCOG, local law enforcement officers and local governmental officials to improve our bicycle infrastructure. I have a couple of specific comments to offer about the various bicycle and pedestrian improvements offered in the report. The Prado Creek Bridge There is little doubt the Prado Creek Bridge is overdue for replacement for the reasons stated in the staff report. However, the existing infrastructure that allows access to the segment of the Bob Jones Trail that begins south of Prado Road does not need to be removed. Design the Prado Road Class 1 facility and the new bridge to include the path that currently veers from Prado Road to the Trail. I urge members of the ACT to recommend leaving the bicycle / pedestrian bridge and allow that to serve as the Class 1 facility that will take cyclists and pedestrians to South Higuera Street. Those pieces of infrastructure are bought and paid for and should help to reduce the overall cost of the new Prado Creek Bridge. Elks Lane Connection The realignment of Elks Lane is necessary to accommodate the Prado Road Overpass and freeway ramps. If Elks Lane is to become a segment of the “new” Bob Jones Trail route, one essential step must be taken. I urge the members of the ACT to recommend that Elks Lane must be reconfigured to accommodate a separated Class 1 facility from Prado Road to the planned signalization at S. Higuera Street. Let me offer one last comment. The Prado Road Interchange and Prado Creek Bridge Projects - Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Staff Report offers a gloomy forecast for the completion of the Bob Jones City to the Sea Trail as it was originally designed. From the report…“The ATP identifies a future BJT alignment north of Prado Road that generally follows San Luis Obispo Creek. This alignment extends behind the drive-in theater, crosses Elks Lane at grade, continues behind the Elks Lodge and cemetery, crosses the creek, passes under Madonna Road, and ultimately connects to Brook Street. Due to its complexity, including multiple crossings, environmental constraints, and right-of-way challenges, this segment is classified as a Tier 3 project, indicating that it is not considered feasible in the near to mid-term.” Reading the various report proposals, it feels like the Bob Jones Trail will become a series of Class 1 facilities adjacent to existing or planned roadways. It may be acceptable as a bicycle and pedestrian transportation corridor but it will not be the Bob Jones Trail that was touted by previous city leaders and staff. Only the short segment of the trail, from Prado Road to Los Osos Valley Road, will offer users a bike ride or a stroll adjacent to the beauty of the San Luis Creek green belt. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important issue. David Abrecht Member, San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club Los Osos, CA.