Blakespear still meddling in local roads

Encinitas Votes:

Many are likely familiar with State Senator Catherine Blakespear's SB 569 bill, which would have effectively prevented cities from making any modifications to any separated bikeways, regardless of how many unintended consequences they create, including injuries, fatalities, and operational issues. The bill was very deservedly ordered inactive on August 31st, so it is likely dead for at least the current legislative session.

However, Senator Blakespear has now surreptitiously inserted language into separate budget bills that would essentially prevent any modifications to her Santa Fe Drive protected bikeway project in Encinitas, and it also includes a threat to force the city to return $3 million in state funding. See the linked Agenda Report for the September 9th Encinitas City Council meeting for details.

Encinitas' protected bikeways have led to two cyclist deaths and numerous serious injuries, and first-responders have expressed serious concerns about response times being inappropriately extended by the Santa Fe Drive project (among many other dangerous conditions created there). The exploitation of state lawmaking to prevent local control to make things safer is unconscionable.