By Kent Strumpell Santa Monica
(Re: “Ready, set, cross,” Dec.18) The new bike lanes on Ocean Park Boulevard, from Lincoln to Cloverfield, are a wonderful holiday gift to cyclists! Thank you, Santa Monica Transportation and Planning staff, and thank you, nearby residents and merchants, for giving this a chance. Now cyclists traveling east-west in this part of the city have an easy route choice and less need to go out of their way to reach important destinations like SMC, the beach and shopping areas.
The bike lanes add much-needed safety for cyclists, as well as providing a buffer that improves visibility for pedestrians and motorists trying to cross the road.
Some drivers will probably lament the loss of a travel lane in each direction. However, as we’ve seen on Main Street, Broadway and Montana, these roads can function quite well with two travel lanes and a median for turning movements. But the most significant benefit is felt by pedestrians, cyclists, shoppers and outdoor diners due to the diminished speed and presence of cars. This has created more desirable shopping places close to residential areas, thereby reducing the need to drive. This is an important piece of making Santa Monica a more livable, sustainable community.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 22, 2007. Read the original PDF.