16 more miles of bicycle lanes and a system of "emphasized bikeways," among other improvements in Pasadena's bicycle plan, will be released to the public next week, according to the Pasadena Star. Although cycling advocate Joe Linton of C.I.C.L.E. calls the plan "mild" when compared to Long Beach's recent strides, Pasadena is considering one interesting, yet possibly controversial, option:
Councilman and avid bicyclist Steve Haderlein, who has been following the planning process, said he expects one part of the plan calling for limiting vehicle traffic by erecting traffic diversion barriers on 11.1 miles of small neighborhood streets could meet with opposition.
The barriers would block cars from entering the streets at most intersections, but would let bikes pass through. Local drivers would be able to access the streets, but it would be impossible to drive for more than a half-mile without running into a barrier, which would eliminate through-traffic.
That would make the streets what planners call "emphasized bikeways," where low car traffic makes it easier for bikes to use the streets.
Those bikeways would be on Mountain, Marengo, Sierra Bonita, El Molino, Wilson Avenue and Craig Avenue. Linton notes the lack of bike lane plans for the city's main drag through Old Pasadena, Colorado Boulevard. There are already 18.6 miles of bike lanes in the city.
