Santa Barbara City Council Vote Puts Master Bike Plan Into High Gear

Santa Barbara Bicycle riders and commuters have something to celebrate.

Council members voted 6-to-1 on Tuesday to approve the Santa Barbara Bike Master Plan.

Council member Randy Rowse was the lone no vote.

Mayor Helene Schneider and council member Cathy Murillo recused themselves from an additional vote that will impact their west side neighborhood.

The remaining council members voted unanimously to include a bicycle boulevard along Chino Street.

Homeowner Lily Vicenti said she will be hiring an attorney to fight it. She is concerned there will be changes to the way cars can turn and she said that could impact emergency evacuations.

But SBBike’s executive director Ed France believes they can settle their differences.

” We are now looking forward to green bike lanes,” said France.

He also said they will start to close the numerous gaps between bike paths.

France said Active Transportation Program Grants are needed. They will be awarded in October. Santa Barbara could be eligible for three grants worth $20 million.

The city council directed staff to seek grant funding.