HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/19/2017 Item 15, Wagner
Purrington, Teresa
From:Phil Wagner <pmwslo@yahoo.com>
Sent:Wednesday, PM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Avila Ranch and continuous Class II bike lanes on Buckley Road
To: San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon and Council Members Dan Rivoire, Andy Pease, Aaron
Gomez and Carlyn Christianson
Sept. 13, 2017
Re: Avila Ranch and continuous Class II bike lanes on Buckley Road
Dear Mayor Harmon and Council Members:
Please support continuous Class II bike lanes on Buckley Road as part of the Avila Ranch
Development Project proposed on 150 acres at 175 Venture Drive in San Luis Obispo. Do not allow a
major gap in the bicycle transportation network that will pose a significant safety risk to people who
ride bikes on Buckley Road between Higuera Street and Highway 227.
The approval of Avila Ranch must include an agreement with San Luis Obispo County for a timely fix
of the approximate one-mile gap in the Class II bike lanes under the current proposal. Please fulfill
the numerous policies and goals that support multi-modal transportation, including:
-The Land Use and Circulation Elements.
-The Bicycle Transportation Plan.
-The Climate Action Plan.
-The Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Designation by the League of American Bicyclists.
-Vision Zero.
The developer has agreed to add Class II bike lanes from Buckley Road’s extension to Higuera Street
to the eastern boundary of the project site, which leaves a gap to Thread Lane in the unincorporated
area. Completing this gap is outside the scope of the developer’s responsibility.
This gap in the bicycle transportation network would effectively discourage most people on bikes from
riding to job sites, Los Ranchos Elementary School, the Octagon Barn, Bob Jones Trail, Edna-Price
Canyon segment of the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail and other easily bikeable destinations in the
vicinity of Higuera Street and Highway 227.
The 2015-16 County Bikeways Plan and 2013 City Bicycle Transportation Plan, respectively, show
continuous Class II bikes on Buckley Road between Highway 227 and Vachell Lane, including the
one-mile segment in question. Both bike plans have goals to increase bicycle usage, provide for a
safer bicycling environment and collaborate with other agencies to support a regional bicycle network.
Traffic will increase significantly as Avila Ranch is phased in and Buckley Road is extended to
Higuera Street, providing another connection for Highway 101 commuters to Highway 227 and job
1
sites. The San Luis Ranch project approved by City Council, the proposed Froom Ranch project and
other developments will generate even more motor vehicle traffic.
Consistent Class II bike lanes on Buckley Road should be a priority for both the City and County so
people have a safe and convenient way to reach their destinations without driving. Because of the
development of Avila Ranch, Buckley Road must be an integral part of the regional bicycle
transportation network so people who want to ride bikes can do so without fear of being hit by
motorists.
Sincerely,
---
Phil Wagner
1233 Vista del Lago, SLO
2