California State Law Prevents Encinitas from Removing Santa Fe Drive Bike Lane
A new provision in California's state budget bill, Senate Bill 114, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, prohibits the city of Encinitas from removing a separated bike lane on Santa Fe Drive for at least five years. This state intervention overrides the Encinitas City Council's plans to modify the bike lane, which was part of a $4 million roadway overhaul project completed last year. The project included separated bike lanes, narrower vehicle lanes, and back-in parking spots. Encinitas Mayor Bruce Ehlers has criticized the state's action as 'unbelievably sneaky' and indicated that the city is exploring legal options. The provision stipulates that if Encinitas violates these conditions, it must return $3.09 million in state grant money received for the project. After five years, the city can remove the bike lane only if the removal results in equal or greater safety, accessibility, and mobility for non-motorized users.