HomeMy WebLinkAbout06_28-29_2017 PC Correspondence - Avila Ranch (SLO Bicycle Club)REDEIVED
JUN 26 2017
_�Ic SLO CITY CLERK
S I 0:cl b �
San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club
Promoting safe and legal bicycle riding for recreation and transportation
P.O. Box 1585 Dear City of San Luis Obispo Planning Commissioners,
San Luis Obispo
CA 93406 On behalf of the members of the San Luis Obispo Bicycle Club (SLOBC), I want to
offer support for the Avila Ranch development that is scheduled to be heard by
www.slobc.org the City of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission beginning Wednesday, June
28. My comments are focused specifically on behalf of the proposed
info@slobc.org infrastructure improvements within and immediately around the development
805.543.5973 that will encourage and support travel by bicycle and walking.
The SLOBC is a major partner of the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo
County's Octagon Barn Center. Two years ago, the club and its members
donated nearly $50,000. toward the creation of the Octagon Barn Trailhead
Center. The Trailhead Center will provide important amenities for the planned
segments of the Bob Jones City to Sea Trail as well as the Class 1 trail along
Buckley Road that is being planned from the Avila Ranch development. The
Octagon Barn Trailhead Center will be a welcoming destination for local and
visiting cyclists who want to tour our county by bicycle.
We support the Avila Ranch plans to enhance our local bicycle and pedestrian
infrastructure by building a series of Class 1 multi -use trails, full Class 2 bike
lanes and other essential roadway and intersection improvements that will make
the roadways adjacent to the development safer for biking and walking.
However, having Avila Ranch be a bicycle and pedestrian friendly "island" is not
acceptable. The City of San Luis Obispo must be truly committed to its adopted
LUCE plan and the stated goal of 20% mode share for travel by bicycle by 2035.
The City should ensure that the Avila Ranch proposal is completed in concert
with projects identified in the City's Bicycle Transportation Plan that will
encourage Avila Ranch residents to use active forms of transportation to
commute to work in downtown San Luis Obispo and other work centers within
the City limits and adjacent areas. The City should commit to taking a
leadership role with the County of San Luis Obispo and other governmental
agencies to ensure that the proposed Class 2 bicycle lanes on a section Buckley
Road do not generate yet another "Bike Lane Ends" sign at Avila Ranch's eastern
boundary. The entire stretch of Buckley Road from S. Higuera St. to Broad St.
%,u IS OB must have Class 2 on road lanes or Class 4 protected bike lanes if the City is
cap�C, CLE � Q really committed to connecting all areas of town for safe travel by bicycle.
UT ED Thank you very much for your consideration.
0
n erely,
%g'1 &Vyi 'd/ Ur e c h t
President
daveabrecht@me.com