CC SR 20240618 04 - PVDS Bike Closure
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 06/18/2024
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to temporarily prohibit bicycles, motorcycles, and other
two-wheeled vehicles on Palos Verdes Drive South within the landslide area.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Adopt Resolution No. 2024-__: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, TEMPORARILY PROHIBITING TRAVEL
BY BICYCLES, MOTORCYCLES, AND OTHER TWO-WHEELED VEHICLES ON
PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH WITHIN THE LANDSLIDE COMPLEX DUE TO
THE ACCELERATED RATE OF LAND MOVEMENT.
FISCAL IMPACT: If approved, the recommended City Council actions will require the
installation of signs, modification of pavement markings, and
deployment of changeable message signs. The cost of these
measures is estimated to be up to $5,000, which is included in the
Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget. Staff will pursue disaster recovery
reimbursement funding for the costs to implement these measures,
as the need for these actions is triggered by land movement directly
caused by the January-February 2024 winter storms, which received
a federal disaster declaration. VR
Amount Budgeted: $5,000
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): 330-400-9102-4310 and 5101
(CIP-Emergency PB Landslide) VR
ORIGINATED BY: Noel Casil, PE, TE, Senior Engineer nvc
REVIEWED BY: Ramzi Awwad, Public Works Director
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Draft Resolution No. 2024-__ Temporarily Prohibiting Bicycles and Motorcycles on
Palos Verdes Drive South in the Landslide Complex (page A-1)
B. Existing street warning signs as of June 1, 2024 (page B-1)
C. Public correspondence (page C-1)
1
BACKGROUND:
On October 3, 2023, the City Council conducted a discussion regarding the conditions of
the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex (Landslide Complex). After considering
information presented that evening, including public testimony, the City Council
unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2023-47 declaring the existence of a local
emergency within the geographic boundaries of the Landslide Complex. The City Council
also requested Staff return in a few weeks with an update on immediate measures being
taken to address the accelerated land movement. At subsequent meetings, the City
Council received updates on conditions in the Landslide Complex as well as measures
underway by various entities to reduce landslide movement; and extended the local
emergency on multiple occasions.
The Ancient Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex encompasses four historically active
landslide areas in the City: the Portuguese Bend Landslide (PBL), the Abalone Cove
Landslide (ACL), the Klondike Canyon Landslide (KCL), and the Beach Club Landslide
(BCL). It also includes the Flying Triangle Landslide in the City of Rolling Hills as mapped
by various agencies (i.e., U.S. Geological Survey, California Geological Survey) and other
researchers.
Since the City Council’s declaration of a local emergency, the City Geologist, Mike Phipps
of Cotton, Shires, and Associates, Inc. (CSA) has been regularly conducting field mapping
throughout the Landslide Complex, observing conditions at various locations, reviewing
survey and rainfall data, and participating in various discussions with stakeholders.
The City Geologist most recently reported to the City Council on May 7, 2024, in summary,
that the PBL, ACL, KCL, and a large portion of the Ancient Portuguese Bend Landslide
Complex above the historically mapped PBL, ACL and KCL boundaries are involved in
significant active landslide movement, moving at unprecedented rates, predominantly in
response to two consecutive seasons of significantly above average rainfall.
The City Geologist stated that land movement continues to manifest at the ground surface
in the form of landslide scarps, fissures, grabens/sinkholes, tensional cracking, shear
zones and thrust features; and that due to the continued acceleration, the ground
movement features have continued to enlarge, expand, widen, or grow depending on the
type of feature and location.
The City Geologist summarized that road conditions on Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS)
continue to be adversely impacted due to differential rates of land movement ranging from
about 5 to 8 inches per week, at the time of the report to the City Council on May 7, 2024.
Traffic signs on PVDS in the landslide area include various signs warning of the landslide
conditions, with some specifically directed at bicyclists and motorcyclists. Out of an
abundance of caution, Staff (through a consultant), conducted a review of signs on PVDS.
As a result, additional signs were installed, including signs installed on June 1, 2024
specifically directed at bicyclists and motorcyclists. Attachment B shows the signs
currently on PVDS.
2
Despite the existing bicycle warning signs, Staff has been anecdotally informed of bicycle
crashes, and at least one claim has been filed against the City (which was prior to the
additional bicycle and motorcycle signs installed on June 1).
DISCUSSION:
Pavement conditions on PVDS continue to be very poor, with new cracks, bumps, fissures
and other irregularities forming on nearly a daily basis. Repairs are being conducted every
two to three weeks. However, conditions change significantly between repairs. Although
four-wheeled vehicles (i.e. cars) can navigate the road under these conditions, the impact
on two-wheeled vehicles is much more pronounced. Despite the warning signs making
bicyclists and motorcyclists aware of the conditions, Staff believes that at this time, it is
not safe for these vehicles to travel on PVDS in the landslide due to cracks, bumps, and
other irregularities that can have a major effect on two -wheeled vehicles.
In consultation with the City Attorney’s Office, Staff recommends temporarily prohibiting
bicycles, motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles on PVDS in the landslide area until
land movement is significantly slowed. This prohibition will reduce the likelihood of injuries
and will also reduce the number of claims and lawsuits tendered to the City. Although the
City is very likely to prevail on claims because of the warning signs, significant resources
may still need to be expended in defending potential claims and lawsuits. Ultimately,
however, the City’s goal with the additional signs and the proposed prohibition is to
prevent any such injuries.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed the legality of temporarily prohibiting bicycl es,
motorcycles, and other two-wheeled vehicles on PVDS while allowing cars, and
determined that the emergency conditions and the City’s proclaimed local state of
emergency likely give the City Council the power to implement such a prohibition on a
temporary basis until the area is stabilized.
Prohibiting bicycles, motorcycles, and other two-wheeled vehicles will require a detour
with appropriate signage at major intersections leading up to the landslide along PVDS.
On behalf of Staff, a firm specializing in traffic engineering, Fehr & Peers Inc. (Fehr &
Peers), prepared conceptual plans for prohibiting bicycles and motorcycles and
implementing a detour. The proposed plans are shown in Figures 1 and 2 on the next
page. The plans are conceptual in nature and may be modified, including the addition of
signs specific to other types of two-wheeled vehicles. Additionally, the detour plan will
require coordination with neighboring agencies, which may result in modifications.
[CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE]
3
Figure 1- Proposed Bicycle and Motorcycle Temporary Prohibition for PVDS in the Landslide Area
Figure 2- Proposed Bicycle and Motorcycle Detour for PVDS in the Landslide Area
4
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Public Outreach
Staff continues to review the need for modifications to pavement markings and signs. In
the short-term, Staff will assess the area near Wayfarers Chapel as transition from two
lanes to one lane is being affected by land movement.
Public Outreach
As part of the of the public outreach and notification process, Staff reached out to several
known bicycle groups to inform them that the City Council would be considering
temporarily prohibiting bicycles on PVDS in the landslide area at tonight’s meeting. The
notified groups are as follows:
• Beach Cities Cycling Club, South Bay
• Palos Verdes Bicycle Club
• Palos Verdes Bike Chicks
• Peninsula Cycle Club
• South Bay Wheelmen
• South Bay Bicycle Coalition Plus (SBBC+)
In response to these notifications, Staff received comments from five constituents
(Attachment C). Three comments challenged the legality of prohibiting bicycles on PVDS
while allowing cars, one suggested additional warning signs instead of a bicycle
prohibition, and another stated that the PV Bike Chicks had already adjusted their routes
so they do not ride through the slide area.
Additionally, Staff notified the general public of this agenda item via the City Manager’s
Weekly Administrative Report and social media.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends the City Council adopt the attached resolution temporarily prohibiting
bicycles and motorcycles on PVDS in the landslide area until such time that land
movement in the affected area is stabilized.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available for
the City Council’s consideration:
1. Do not adopt a resolution temporarily prohibiting bicycles, motorcycles, and other
two-wheeled vehicles on PVDS within the Landslide Complex.
2. Take other action, as deemed appropriate.
5
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-__
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES,
TEMPORARILY PROHIBITING TRAVEL BY
BICYCLES, MOTORCYCLES, AND OTHER TWO-
WHEELED VEHICLE ON PALOS VERDES DRIVE
SOUTH WITHIN THE LANDSLIDE COMPLEX DUE
TO THE ACCELERATED RATE OF LAND
MOVEMENT
WHEREAS, the Greater Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex (t he
Landslide Complex) encompasses four historically active landslide areas in the
City: the Portuguese Bend Landslide (PBL), the Abalone Cove Landslide (ACL),
the Klondike Canyon Landslide (KCL), and the Beach Club Landslide (BCL). It also
includes the Flying Triangle Landslide (FTL) in the City of Rolling Hills as mapped
by various agencies (i.e., U.S. Geological Survey, California Geological Survey)
and other researchers; and
WHEREAS, following the 2022-23 rainy season, the Landslide Complex’s
movement has accelerated exponentially. Therefore, on October 3, 2023, the City
Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes adopted Resolution No. 2023 -047
based on its authority pursuant to Section 8610 et seq. and Section 8630 et seq.
of the Government Code, and Chapter 2.23 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal
Code, declaring a state of local emergency for the Landslide Complex based on
the accelerated movement of the land. The declaration of emergency has been
renewed as required by law and currently applies; and
WHEREAS, following the City Council’s declaration of a local emergency,
the City experienced another record-setting rainy season; and
WHEREAS, since the City Council’s declaration of a local emergency, the
City Geologist, Mike Phipps of Cotton, Shires, and Associates, Inc. (CSA), has
been regularly conducting field mapping throughout the Landslide Complex;
observing conditions at various locations, and reviewing survey and rainfall data;
and
WHEREAS, the City Geologist most recently reported to the City Council
on May 7, 2024, in summary, that the Landslide Complex continues moving at
unprecedented rates, predominantly in response to the two consecutive seasons
of significantly above average rainfall; and
WHEREAS, the City Geologist stated that land movement continued to
manifest at the ground surface in the form of landslide scarps, fissures,
grabens/sinkholes, tensional cracking, shear zones and thrust features; and that
due to the continued acceleration, the groun d movement features have continued
to enlarge, expand, widen, or grow depending on the type of feature and location ,
which also affects Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS) as it traverses the Landslide
Complex area; and
A-1
Resolution No. 2024-__
Page 2 of 5
WHEREAS, the City Geologist summarized that road conditions on PVDS
continue to be adversely impacted due to differential rates of land movement
ranging from about 5 to 8 inches per week, at the time of the report to the City
Council on May 7, 2024; and
WHEREAS, traffic signs on PVDS in the landslide area include various
signs warning of the landslide conditions, with some specifically directed at
bicyclists and motorcyclists. Out of an abundance of caution, Staff (through a
consultant), conducted a review of signs on PVDS. As a result, additional signs
were installed, including signs installed on June 1, 2024 specifically directed at
bicyclists and motorcyclists; and
WHEREAS, despite the existing bicycle warning signs, Staff has been
anecdotally informed of bicycle crashes, and at least one claim has been filed
against the City (which was prior to the additional bicycle and motorcycle signs
installed on June 1); and
WHEREAS, Section 8610 of the Government Code provides the local
disaster council with broad powers to “develop plans for meeting any condition
constituting a local emergency or state of emergency, including, but not limited to,
earthquakes, natural or manmade disasters specific to that jurisdiction, or state of
war emergency….”; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 2.24 designates the City Council, the director of
emergency services, the assistant director of emergency services, and the chiefs
of emergency services as the City’s Disaster Council; and
WHEREAS, the director of emergency services (the city manager), “[i]n the
event of the proclamation of a local emergency […], the director [of emergency
services] is empowered: a. To make and issue rules and regulations on matters
reasonably related to the protection of life and property as affected by such
emergency….”; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that despite consistent and recently
increased signage, riders of bicycles and motorcycles continue to use PVDS, and
that the land movement is creating frequent localized deviations in the road, which
can be navigated safely in cars and trucks, but that are more dangerous for two-
wheeled vehicles such as bicycles and motorcycles; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the safety of bicycle, motorcycle and
other two-wheeled riders is a compelling interest; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that in order to further the City’s
compelling interest in the safety of riders, it is appropriate to temporarily route
bicycles and motorcycles away from the portion of PVDS within the Landslide
A-2
Resolution No. 2024-__
Page 3 of 5
Complex, until such time as the City may be able to slow the land movement
sufficiently to reduce the frequency and severity of road deviations to minimize the
risk of injury.
NOW, THEREFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein
by reference.
Section 2: Until further notice, the portion of PVDS within the Landslide
Complex shall be closed to bicycle, motorcycle, and other two-wheeled vehicle
traffic.
Section 3: Updates on the rate of movement and repair of PVDS will be
provided at City Council meetings where the City Council is considering extending
the local state of emergency, including an assessment of the relative safety of
traveling on PVDS by bicycles, motorcycles, and other two-wheeled vehicles
through the Landslide Complex, with the purpose of lifting the prohibition as soon
as possible.
Section 4: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon adoption by
the City Council upon a majority vote.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City
Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, on this 18 th day of June
2024.
John Cruikshank, Mayor
ATTEST:
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )ss
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES )
A-3
Resolution No. 2024-__
Page 4 of 5
I, Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify
that the foregoing Resolution No. 2024-__, was duly and regularly passed and
adopted by the said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on June 18,
2024.
__________________________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
A-4
Resolution No. 2024-__
Page 5 of 5
A-5
BIKE ROUTE
STOPPING
ANY
TIME
NO
PARKING
ANY
TIME
NO
OVER 2 AXLES
B-1
STOPPING
ANY
TIME
NO
STOPPING
ANY
TIME
NO
A N I M A L S
F O R
WATC H
B-2
BIKE ROUTE
STOPPING
ANY
TIME
NO
A N I M A L S
F O R
WATC H
B-3
STOPPING
ANY
TIME
NO
OVER 2 AXLES
B-4
B-5
PUBLIC COMMENT N0. 1
From: Chris Albertson <albertson.chris@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2024 10:58 AM
To: Noel Casil <ncasil@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Re: Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS) Bicycle and Motorcycle Prohibition Notice
You don't often get email from albertson.chris@gmail.com. Learn why this is important
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the
content is safe!!!.
This is the first I’ve heard of this and already there is much online talk about two things
1) Is this legal? Does anyone know a lawyer who can look into this?
2) What is required for a recall election? How many signatures does it take?
My option? If the road is unsafe then close it to all traffic until such time as it can be
repaired. Or, you could do a temporary measure such as restripe the road to one lane
and then install automated signals or flagmen. Or place a 10 MPH speed limit sign and
some bumps on the road.
Quite a few people are looking into options1 and 2 and maybe others. I think you are
going to see some money coming from outside to fight a selective closure.
About alternate routes: I would ask anyone who proposes one to show us by riding it
himself, not on an e-bike but on a real bicycle. Let’s try riding from the new UCLA
campus to Golden Cove. Try it. One idea is to force the gated community to open
Crest Road. This could be a reasonable alternative route. it would be easy to open the
gates and allow traffic.
On May 30, 2024, at 6:24 AM, Brian Berlin <brian.b.berlin@gmail.com> wrote:
Clubbers,
I plan on attending this RPV City Council meeting to voice my opposition to this plan. See
below.
BBB
From: Noel Casil <ncasil@rpvca.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 6:39 PM
Subject: Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS) Bicycle and Motorcycle Prohibition Notice
Dear Bike Community,
C-1
The City Rancho Palos Verdes would like to inform the Bike Community that the City will be considering
prohibiting bicycles and motorcycles on Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS) and an agenda item is planned
to go before the RPV City Council on June 18, 2024.
City staff and consultants are seeing rapid and substantial rates of movement (6 to 9 inches per
week, depending on location) in and around the vicinity of the landslide area along Palos Verdes
Drive South.
Despite the warning signs in place, we are seeing injuries.
Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking the City Council to consider prohibiting bicycles
and motorcycles on PVDS.
We are requesting the Bike Community to voluntarily consider alternate routes.
Please let us know if you have comments and questions regarding the above bicycle and motorcycle
prohibition proposal.
Please contact:
Ramzi Awwad
Director of Public Works
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
rawwad@rpvca.gov”
C-2
PUBLIC COMMENT N0. 2
From: Rideleader <rideleader@pvbikechicks.org>
Sent: Friday, May 31, 2024 4:10 PM
To: Noel Casil <ncasil@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Re: Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS) Bicycle and Motorcycle Prohibition Notice
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the
content is safe!!!.
Hi Noel,
We have already adjusted our routes so we do not ride through the slide area. It is way
too dangerous for our members. We will pass along this information so if someone is
going out on their own, they will also avoid the slide area.
Thank you for contacting us!
Carolyn
President
PV Bike Chicks
On May 29, 2024, at 6:39 PM, Noel Casil <ncasil@rpvca.gov> wrote:
Dear Bike Community,
The City Rancho Palos Verdes would like to inform the Bike Community that the City will be considering
prohibiting bicycles and motorcycles on Palos Verdes Drive South (PVDS) and an agenda item is planned
to go before the RPV City Council on June 18, 2024.
City staff and consultants are seeing rapid and substantial rates of movement (6 to 9 inches per
week, depending on location) in and around the vicinity of the landslide area along Palos Verdes
Drive South.
Despite the warning signs in place, we are seeing injuries.
Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking the City Council to consider prohibiting bicycles
and motorcycles on PVDS.
We are requesting the Bike Community to voluntarily consider alternate routes.
Please let us know if you have comments and questions regarding the above bicycle and motorcycle
prohibition proposal.
Please contact:
Ramzi Awwad
Director of Public Works
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
rawwad@rpvca.gov”
C-3
<image001.png>
PUBLIC COMMENT N0. 3
From: Ramzi Awwad
Sent: Friday, May 31, 2024 5:23 PM
To: Jim Lyle <jlyle90274@gmail.com>
Subject: RE: Proposed closure of PVDS to cyclists
Dear Jim Lyle,
Thank you for your email. Your comment will be provided to the City Council and included in the
public record.
Ramzi Awwad
Director of Public
Works
rawwad@rpvca.gov
Phone - (310) 544-
5275
Address:
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
90275
Website: www.rpvca.gov
This e-mail message contains information belonging to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, which may be privileged,
confidential, and/or protected from disclosure. The information is intended only for use of the individual or
entity named. Unauthorized dissemination, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. If you received this
email in error, or are not an intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately. Thank you for your
assistance and cooperation.
From: Jim Lyle <jlyle90274@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, May 31, 2024 6:58 AM
To: Ramzi Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Proposed closure of PVDS to cyclists
You don't often get email from jlyle90274@gmail.com. Learn why this is important
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the
content is safe!!!.
The City cannot ban cyclists from PVDS if it allows motor
vehicles access. To do so would be in conflict with state
law and unenforceable.
Jim Lyle
C-4
PUBLIC COMMENT N0. 4
From: danger d <danger3d@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 1, 2024 9:11 AM
To: Ramzi Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Bikes
You don't often get email from danger3d@gmail.com. Learn why this is important
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the
content is safe!!!.
Will automobiles be banned also?
If not, the answer is no.
California State law says if a car is aloud so is a bike, except in limited circumstances
on highways.
So sorry.
Thank you.
Dear Bike Community,
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes would like to inform the Bike Community that the City
will be considering prohibiting bicycles and motorcycles on Palos Verdes Drive South
(PVDS) and an agenda item is planned to go before the RPV City Council on June 18,
2024.
City staff and consultants are seeing rapid and substantial rates of movement (6
to 9 inches per week, depending on location) in and around the vicinity of the
landslide area along Palos Verdes Drive South.
Despite the warning signs in place, we are seeing injuries.
Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking the City Council to consider
prohibiting bicycles and motorcycles on PVDS.
We are requesting the Bike Community to voluntarily consider alternate routes.
Please let us know if you have comments and questions regarding the above bicycle
and motorcycle prohibition proposal.
Please contact:
Ramzi Awwad
Director of Public Works
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
C-5
PUBLIC COMMENT N0. 5
From: jody aronson <jodybmd@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 1, 2024 2:37 PM
To: Ramzi Awwad <rawwad@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Re: Closing pvd south
You don't often get email from jodybmd@gmail.com. Learn why this is important
EXTERNAL EMAIL: Do not click links or open any attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the
content is safe!!!.
3400 Lomita Blvd
Suite 400
Torrance, Ca. 90505
jodybmd@gmail.com
On Sat, Jun 1, 2024 at 7:24 AM jody aronson <jodybmd@gmail.com> wrote:
Instead of prohibition while not put sign after narcissa giving a warning. Most of us
realize it’s too dangerous and turn around there. I have friends on sea cove and this
would prohibit my visiting by bicycle
Sincerely
Jody Aronson,M.D.
3400 Lomita Blvd
Suite 400
Torrance, Ca. 90505
jodybmd@gmail.com
C-6