CC SR 20211019 04 - Caltrans Bike Lane
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 10/19/2021
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to receive a presentation from the California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on its proposed Western Avenue Bicycle
Pedestrian Improvement Project.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file the presentation from Caltrans on its proposed Western Avenue
Bicycle Pedestrian Improvement Project project to install bicycle lanes and
pedestrian access improvements on Western Avenue;
(2) Provide, if warranted, feedback to Caltrans; and
(3) Request that Caltrans work with City Staff to make any adjustments to the project
based on City Council and public feedback.
FISCAL IMPACT: None. Caltrans will fund the bike lane and pedestrian project.
ORIGINATED BY: Sean Lopez, Assistant Engineer
REVIEWED BY: Ramzi Awwad, Public Works Director
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Caltrans RPV Western Ave Traffic Presentation.pdf (page A-1)
BACKGROUND:
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposes installing bicycle lanes
and pedestrian improvements on Western Avenue between 25 th Street in San Pedro to
Carson Street in Torrance as part of the Western Avenue Bicycle Pedestrian
Improvement Project. This portion of Western Avenue is owned, operated, and
maintained by Caltrans as part of the state highway system.
Within the City limits, Phase One of the project (currently in construction), will install seven
curb ramps that are compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Phase Two, which is tentatively scheduled to begin construction in August 2022, will
include nine more ADA-compliant curb ramps within the City and a northbound right-turn
lane at Westmont Drive/Delasonde Drive.
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Phase Two proposes to re-purpose existing parking lanes in the City (see Figure 1 below)
into a Class II bikeway, with some exceptions. A Class II bikeway is defined as a bikeway
with pavement markings and signage to delineate a portion of a roadway for bicycle travel.
The limits of the Class II bikeway are from 25th Street in San Pedro to Palos Verdes Drive
North at the RPV/Lomita/Harbor City border, a length of 4.2 miles. Within Rancho Palos
Verdes City limits, there are about 2.2 miles in the southbound direction (between Palos
Verdes Drive North and Summerland Street/Summerland Avenue) and 0.5 miles in the
northbound direction (between Capitol Drive and Westmont Drive).
Figure 1: Typical cross section of existing roadway converted to a Class II Bike
Lane
Figure 1 above shows a typical cross-section of the existing roadway. Highlighted in
yellow is where the existing 8-foot-wide parking lane will be replaced by a 6-feet-wide
bike lane with a 2-feet-wide bike buffer adjacent to a 12-feet-wide vehicular lane. The
number of lanes and the width of the lanes remain unchanged.
The map below from a previous Caltrans presentation on the project shows the s tretch of
Western Avenue where Class II bike lanes are proposed (25th Street to Palos Verdes
Drive North).
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DISCUSSION:
Staff has expressed concern to Caltrans about the loss of parking at certain locations and
requested presentations to the Traffic Safety Committee (TSC), the general public and
the City Council.
Caltrans presented to TSC on March 8, 2021, with Committee members asking questions
and expressing concern over the loss of street parking that serves businesses. Members
of TSC also asked if traffic signals would be modified to prioritize bicycles over vehicles,
and expressed concern that doing so could increase congestion.
In response to Staff and TSC concerns, Caltrans modified the bike lane component of the
project between Summerland Street and Crestwood Street (where there is a restaurant
that relies on street parking because of a relatively small parking lot). Caltrans will
preserve on-street parking in this area by widening the southbound roadway lanes into
the median to make space for the bike lane without the removal of parking.
Caltrans indicated to Staff that it is still evaluating options for signal timing with respect to
bicycle prioritization and has not yet reached a conclusion.
Caltrans presented its plan for the proposed project to the public in a virtual format on
September 30, 2021. Attendees generally supported the project.
It should be noted that the City has no jurisdiction over Western Avenue. The City can
share feedback and public concerns at forums such as tonight’s City Council meeting for
Caltrans to consider.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
This project will incorporate a right-turn lane at Westmont Drive/Delasonde Drive. The
City Council approved a cooperative agreement with Caltrans for this right-turn lane on
September 21, 2021 (link to Staff Report).
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A-1
3/8/2021 2
INTRODUCTION AND
THOUGHT PROCESS
BEHIND THE PROJECT
CONSTITUENT
FEEDBACK
VIDEO PROJECT LAYOUT AND
SPECIFICS
COMPATIBILITY WITH
CITY PLANS AND
SUMMARY
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▪Western Ave north of 25th St to the 405 is California State Highway 213
▪Operations, maintenance, and construction of new projects fall under the purview
of Caltrans.
▪Included in our operational authority is the ability to add bicycle lanes to our State
Highways.
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▪Caltrans has a proposed project that begins at 25th St and ends at Carson St.
▪Within those limits, we are proposing:
▪To upgrade curb ramps to American with Disabilities Act or ADA standards
▪Add flashing beacons
▪Construct new sidewalks
▪Add bicycle lanes.
▪Those scope items will be explained in greater detail later in the presentation.
▪The focus of this presentation will be on the bicycle lanes.
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Palos Verdes
Dr N
PM 4.31
Carson St
PM 8.0
Class III limits:
Palos Verdes Dr N to Carson St
A-5
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25th St
Palos Verdes
Dr N
Class II limits:
25th St Palos Verdes Dr N*
(*except where Class III currently exist)
A-6
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Palos Verdes
Dr N
Summerland
Ave
Mileage within Rancho Palos Verdes
Southbound Lanes (SB)2.2 mi
Northbound Lanes (NB)0.5 mi
Total Project (NB+SB)16.0 mi
A-7
▪Existing ADA Project
▪The Western Avenue Corridor Study which was prepared for the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes
▪Complete Street Reservation created by Caltrans
▪Compatibility with existing and planned community bicycle facilities.
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Build curb Ramps to meet American’s with Disabilities Act specification.
Phase 1 currently being constructed, Phase 2 is being discussed in this presentation.
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▪Existing ADA Project
▪The Western Avenue Corridor Study which was prepared for the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes
▪Complete Street Reservation created by Caltrans
▪Compatibility with existing and planned community bicycle facilities.
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This is a project for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and the City of Los
Angeles, with funding provided by the Southern California Association
of Governments (SCAG)
Study initiated in 2012 to improve Western Avenue for residents, businesses, and visitors alike
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Bike Lanes
In 2015, the findings were released, and included bike lanes
throughout the length of Western from 25th to Palos Verdes Dr N. A-13
▪Existing ADA Project
▪The Western Avenue Corridor Study which was prepared for the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes
▪Complete Street Reservation created by Caltrans
▪Compatibility with existing and planned community bicycle facilities.
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A-15
▪Existing ADA Project
▪The Western Avenue Corridor Study which was prepared for the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes
▪Complete Street Reservation created by Caltrans
▪Compatibility with existing and planned community bicycle facilities.
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Western Ave Bike Lanes are preferred
by the City and County of Los
Angeles. Without the Rancho Palos
Verdes section, there is a gap in their
plans.
One of the purposes of this project is
to create a continuous Bicycle facility
from the surrounding residential
areas, along the existing east-west
routes, and into the commercial
centers along Western, and
recreational centers along the coast.
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3/8/2021 18Photo credit: City of Beverly Hills
Caltrans management chose the ADA
project and added $1.5 MM to the budget
to include some of the complete street
elements that were listed in the study.
These elements are being added at no cost
to the City. A-18
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A-19
▪Caltrans Operations and Planning staff received correspondence
▪Area resident who rides a bicycle on Western through Rancho Palos Verdes to commute to work
▪Constituent inquired as to whether Western Avenue would receive a bicycle lane along entire corridor
▪Felt unsafe due to fast-moving vehicles tailing or driving closely to bicyclists, due to lack of a bicycle lane
▪Noted that drivers attempt to overtake slower-moving vehicles in other travel lanes by passing on the right
▪Mentioned that without adequate facilities, bicyclists would ride on the sidewalk
▪Gaps in sidewalk exist, therefore sidewalk riding is not possible in all locations
▪Safety concerns as drivers do not always notice approaching sidewalk bicyclists
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25th St
Carson St
Palos Verdes
Drive N Existing
Class III
Lane (NB)
Constituent
feedback led
Caltrans to
stripe a Class
III bike facility
between
Avenida
Aprenda, and
the entrance to
the Green Hills
Cemetery.
A-21
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25th St
Carson St
Palos Verdes
Drive N
Existing
Class II
Lane (SB)
As part of
that project
Caltrans also
installed a
bicycle lane
on the
opposite
side, south of
the
Cemetery.
A-22
Med came across a resident waiting on his driveway for his buddy to come along
and join him along Western. Casually dressed, they appeared to be meeting up for
an errand at a local destination. He mentioned that most riders can be found along
Palos Verdes Drive.
Next Med rode up to 4 riders on a group ride. They chose to ride Western because
it is a less hilly route and was better suited for the riders’ based on experience and
fitness level. In our experience, most casual riders would prefer to do the same.
They were from a bicycle group call Major Motion from SW Los Angeles.
Lastly, Med remained socially distant and spoke with a resident who was having a
garage sale. She said that she would welcome having a bike lane along Western
because she likes to bike to Cabrillo Beach on her E-bike.
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▪Western Avenue is the only continuous N/S street in the
South Bay between the cities of Torrance, Lomita, Rancho
Palos Verdes, Los Angeles and the ocean
▪Less elevation/ grade changes and terrain challenges
▪Less port-related truck traffic than streets to the east
▪Improve safety, access and circulation for bicyclists and
pedestrians
▪Continuous bicycle facility allows those to ride within and
between communities
▪Supported by the South Bay Bicycle Coalition
▪Continuous pedestrian facility allows for safe travel without
being forced to walk on the street
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https://youtu.be/rfVcMRmVAtY
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9 CURB RAMP LOCATIONS IN RANCHO PALOS VERDES
53 CURB RAMP LOCATIONS –PHASE 2
1200’ NEW PAVED SIDEWALK
3 PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
W/ HIGH INTENSITY CROSSWALK BEACON
PROJECT CURRENTLY IN CONSTRUCTION:
106 CURB RAMPS –PHASE 1
7 CURB RAMP LOCATIONS IN RANCHO PALOS VERDES
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The class II bike lane will
connect 6 intersecting east-
west bike lanes from 25th street
to Palos Verdes Drive North.
Bikers can use Western to
reach destinations along the
coast from Vicente, White Point
Park, Point Fermin Park,
Cabrillo Beach, and the San
Pedro Marina and markets.
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This proposed cross
section is similar to
what is shown in the
RPV study.
The number of lanes
and the width of the
lanes remain
unchanged.
The Bike lanes and the
buffer are added within
the width of the
reclaimed parking
spaces.
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UTILIZE RECLAIMED CURBSIDE PARKING
ADEQUATE ON-SITE PARKING
EXISTING LANE WIDTH AND CONFIGURATION IS MAINTAINED.
TERRACES
SHOPPING
CENTER
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ADDED RIGHT-TURN ONLY LANE AT CAPITOL
RECLAIMED PARKING APPROACHING CAPITOL.
DELINEATED 4’ BIKE LANE BETWEEN THE TRAVELED LANE
REDUCED MEDIAN TO ACCOMMODATE LANE SHIFT
ENHANCED CAPACITY AND SAFETY
This is the existing street view just south of Capitol.
In order to place a Right-turn-only lane and a 4’ bike
lane. Parking was Reclaimed and the median was
reduced.
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no retail destinations,
already has a Class II
bike lane and Class III
bike lane.
A-33
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SOUTHERN SEGMENT
SUMERLANDPARK PLAZA
TERRACES
Notice the large parking lots available at
Park Plaza and the Terraces shopping
center.
There are 60 SB street parking spaces
and 80 NB street parking spaces
available but generally underutilized by
the adjacent business customers.
A-34
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This is a closer view of the PARK PLAZA shopping center.
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There are a only a few cars parked on the Street side even though
there are plenty of parking spaces available inside the parking lot.
Because of the high profile, high visibility of the street location, the
majority cars parked in this area are to advertise a business or are
for sale. This is an example within the red circle.
The City of LA asked us to reclaim parking in their portions to
eliminate these blights.
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Street view on a Saturday Morning.
These spaces are not preferred by customers. Convenient
parking is located in large parking lots, near the
businesses.
A bike lane could be instrumental in removing unwanted
advertisement parking, and would enhance the street
side aesthetics.
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MIDDLE SEGMENT
ALBERTSON’S
SMART &
FINAL
This is the Middle Segment with businesses on one side
and residential back yards on the other side.
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The southbound Curbside parking is virtually unused.
There are existing no stopping hours in effect.
The Rancho Palos Verdes Corridor Study recommends
reclaiming parking spaces for a class II bike lane in this
segment.
A-39
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Similar to the South Segment, northbound parking is
being used by advertisements and cars for sale. The
worst is right in front of Albertson’s A-40
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The North Segment is already using
most of the unused parking spaces as a
Class II and Class III bike lane.
However, there are still portions of the
North Segment which can be converted
to a Class II Bike lane.
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▪Western is a community artery
▪Community Goals from RPV study
▪Improvement of storefronts
▪Enhancing the quality of the public realm
▪Expanding mobility options
▪Developing a well-functioning and
harmonious perception of the corridor.
▪No funding by the City for Bike Lanes
(there may be funding for a right turn
lane).
A-42
▪Rancho Palos Verdes commissioned a study on how to improve the Western Avenue corridor.
▪Caltrans, as part of our complete street initiative, took that study and is proposing to implement a piece of it, bike lanes.
▪Caltrans has shown that new bike lanes will not reduce the car and truck capacity of the street.
▪When cyclists use the bike lanes instead of their cars to commute or shop, there could even be reduction in car and truck demand.
▪Caltrans has explored the consequences of adding bicycle lanes, primarily that some parking spaces will be reclaimed.
▪Caltrans has shared some of the other beneficial features for pedestrians and vehicles that we are adding on the project
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Tentative Construction Schedule
Start Construction August 2022
End Construction April 2023 A-44