Skip to content Skip to Content

Santa Barbara Pushes Forward with State Street Revitalization, E-Bike Safety a Growing Concern

0:00/ 0:00LIVEQualityAuto  AudioSubtitleSpeedNormal  
0:00/ 0:00LIVEQualityAuto  AudioSubtitleSpeedNormal  
0:00/ 0:00LIVEQuality1  AudioSubtitleSpeedNormal  

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Santa Barbara is moving forward with its State Street revitalization efforts, focusing on pedestrian safety, accessibility, and economic recovery, while concerns over speeding e-bikes continue to dominate public discussion.

On Tuesday, city officials provided an update on the State Street Short-Term Action Plan, outlining progress on outdoor dining, mobility improvements, safety initiatives, and maintenance projects. The plan, first introduced in September, includes 11 focus areas aimed at transforming downtown into a more walkable and engaging public space. While some projects are nearing completion, others remain in the planning and funding stages.

One of the most immediate changes is a pilot program to introduce pedlets, modular sidewalk extensions designed to replace parklets and relocate outdoor dining off the street. The first installation is planned for the 500 block by Memorial Day 2025, at an estimated cost of $453,000. A similar effort in the 1200 block will reduce planter sizes to create additional sidewalk space for dining and pedestrians.

The city is also working to improve mobility options, including the return of pedicabs, a golf cart-style shuttle service between the waterfront and upper State Street, and the potential reinstatement of an MTD summer circulator shuttle in 2025. However, funding for the MTD shuttle remains uncertain.

As Santa Barbara moves forward with these improvements, many residents remain concerned about public safety, particularly the rise of speeding e-bikes on State Street. Some community members say the current setup, where bikes mix freely with pedestrians, has led to dangerous interactions. Santa Barbara resident Myron Aguilar described the risks firsthand, noting that pedestrians must be cautious to avoid collisions. Downtown Ambassador Nellie Hard suggested that designated e-bike lanes would help reduce conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians.

In response to these concerns, the city is drafting an e-bike ordinance, set for City Council review in February 2025, that would enforce speed limits and safety restrictions for e-bike users. Additionally, the city has taken steps to improve security by removing concrete barriers on the 400 block and replacing them with large planters, while retaining water barriers on the 500 block for vehicle protection.

City officials are also exploring ways to increase foot traffic and support struggling businesses. Many residents believe that activating State Street with live entertainment, cultural events, and unique attractions is key to revitalization. Tess Harris, the city's State Street Master Planner, described efforts to make downtown a true community hub, with new seating areas, play zones, and educational landscaping projects as part of a stormwater demonstration initiative.

Local businesses and community members have expressed a desire to see State Street become a more vibrant destination, with more shopping and dining options. Some residents, including Mesa neighborhood resident Quintin Vomocil, believe the city should create special promotions and events to draw people downtown. He suggested highlighting specific restaurants and retail areas to generate excitement and support for local businesses.

The city is also working with Cycling Without Age and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival to introduce shuttle rides for festival attendees, offering a unique experience for visitors traveling between venues on State Street’s 900 to 1300 blocks.

Maintenance and beautification remain a major focus for city leaders. Officials plan to revitalize aging newspaper racks, repair uneven brickwork, and improve sidewalk conditions. The city is also exploring greenery and stormwater management projects, with an estimated cost of $162,000, though funding has not yet been secured.

During the public comment session, community members raised additional concerns about accessibility, business equity, and emergency response times. Some questioned whether the new installations, such as pedlets, would meet ADA compliance standards, while others argued that businesses on State Street receive preferential outdoor dining rates compared to other businesses in the city. Officials confirmed that parade routes are also under review, with plans to pilot a Veterans Day Parade on State Street later this year.

Looking ahead, the city is preparing to release a draft of the long-term State Street Master Plan for public review in summer 2025. The final version is expected to go before the City Council for adoption by the end of the year. In the meantime, city officials say that many of the current initiatives are pilot programs, allowing flexibility for adjustments based on public feedback and funding availability.

Santa Barbara leaders remain optimistic that these short-term improvements will help guide long-term solutions, creating a safer, more accessible, and economically vibrant downtown for residents and visitors alike.

Article Topic Follows: Community
architecture
city council
santa barbara city council
state street
state street revitalization
urban planning

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Mina Wahab

Arab-American producer & reporter with a mission to dig deep in interviews, share authentically, shed light on the issues that matter, and provoke deep thought.

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.