Golf Course Drive bike lane project in motion

After years of requests by residents and riders for bike lanes and sidewalks on Golf Course Drive, the project is on the city’s map. From 26th to 28th and Date Streets, pedestrians and bicyclists can look forward to a safer route along the winding and scenic road.

“This may finally become a reality after thirty years,” said a member of the Golden Hill Planning Committee during a monthly meeting.

But it will take three and a half years to complete the project, the city estimates. 28 months of that will be design phase. Before construction can begin, the city must produce a mitigated negative declaration and apply for a site development permit. Then they can hire a consultant to develop a plan.

In September, 2018 members of the Golden Hill Planning Committee approved a preliminary schematic proposed by the city. It includes a dedicated Class II bike lane in both directions and a sidewalk running the entire length of Golf Course Drive. Reverse angled parking will replace existing perpendicular spots. Two factors identified for further study, but not included in the preliminary drawings, are (1) a physical barrier between bikes and vehicles; (2) zero net loss of parking spaces.

Allocation of Golden Hill development impact fees by Councilmember Chris Ward will finance the design phase. Estimated total project cost is approximately $5 million.