Two Big Eureka Bike & Pedestrian Projects Get Funded

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Colin Fiske

The Collector

October 21, 2022

Eureka’s Bay-to-Zoo Trail and C Street Bike Boulevard Fully Funded!
Staff at the California Transportation Commission have recommended funding these two long-awaited active transportation projects. (Unfortunately, a proposed trail project in Fortuna did not make it onto the funding list.) Both Eureka projects will provide much-needed north-south bike and pedestrian connectivity between Downtown/Old Town and other residential and commercial areas. The Commission itself will have to vote on the recommendations at a future meeting, but staff recommendations for funding are almost always upheld.

In other Eureka news, the City Council this week approved an amended housing plan that will speed up development of walkable, infill housing on downtown parking lots and in other parts of the city, and Cal Poly Humboldt is offering additional funding for the EaRTH Center transit and housing hub.

Big Steps Forward for the Great Redwood Trail
We’re happy to announce that the federal Surface Transportation Board, which oversees railroads, this week rejected an attempt by the Skunk Train’s parent company to take over part of the defunct rail line near Willits. If successful, this takeover would have put a big hole in the middle of the future Great Redwood Trail system. Fortunately, it was the last obstacle in the railbanking process. With that out of the way – and the outrageous coal train scheme defeated months ago – State Senator Mike McGuire will be holding a public trail planning kick-off town hall next Monday. Click the link in the headline above to register.

Arcata Council Candidates Talk About Transportation, Other Topics
You can watch the full candidate forum here. We also encourage you to tell the city directly what you think about road safety issues by taking the survey currently available here (en español aquí), and by making reports on Street Story. Whatever you do, don’t forget to vote!

County Proposes Living Shoreline for Eureka-Arcata Corridor
Humboldt County says it will protect the key transportation corridor – which by late next year will include a complete Humboldt Bay Trail! – from accelerating sea level rise by restoring some of the bordering salt marsh. This is a great environmentally friendly approach, although we’ve been warned it’s likely to be extremely expensive.

The City of Arcata would like you to make more reports on Street Story.
The city is developing a Local Road Safety Plan, and they are using Street Story reports to help identify safety concerns. So this week, we’re specifically asking you to make reports of hazards, near-misses and collisions located in Arcata. Of course, you can also make reports anywhere else too! La versión de Street Story en español está disponible aquí.

News from Beyond the North Coast

Canadian Cities Discover Parking Isn’t the Best Use of Precious Urban Space
Hey, we could have told them that.

Parking Guru Donald Shoup Explains How Less Parking Means More Affordable Housing
Which is part of why a new California law prohibiting local governments from imposing costly parking mandates near high-quality transit is such a big deal.

Banks Are Perpetuating the Oversupply of Parking
Providing parking with new housing makes construction more expensive, increases rents and encourages car dependence. But even when local governments encourage a development to include less parking, the banks funding the project often require more. Is anyone really surprised that big banks are behind yet another societal problem?

The Collector is CRTP’s weekly transportation news roundup, published every Friday. We focus on North Coast news, but we also include relevant state, national and international transportation news – plus other items that we just find kind of interesting! To submit items for consideration, email colin@transportationpriorities.org.

Parking on the Brain in Eureka

Posted on October 14, 2022 by Colin Fiske

The Collector

October 14, 2022

VOTE!
You probably received your ballot in the mail this week. Don’t ignore it! Local, state and federal elections have a huge impact on our transportation systems and our daily lives. Do your research and vote for candidates and ballot measures that support your values and priorities.

New Proposed Gateway Plan Revisions
The City of Arcata has proposed some revisions to the Gateway Area Plan, for the first time since the draft plan was published last December. The most high-profile issues, like building height, have not yet been addressed, but the changes do include a number of small improvements – many of them suggested by CRTP in our initial comment letter. It remains, as we’ve said many times, the most bike and pedestrian friendly land use plan ever seen in our region.

The Planning Commission also discussed the Plan again this week, and tentatively settled on a building height cap of 7 stories instead of 8. But rather than making any final recommendations, they instead spent several hours identifying topics they wanted to talk about more. Nearly a year into their review with little to show for it, the Planning Commission may be wishing they had heeded our earlier advice to conduct a time-limited, targeted review instead of getting bogged down in endless discussions with the same people about the same topics.

Parking, Parking and More Parking at the Eureka Planning Commission
As we see often at local planning meetings, when the Eureka Planning Commission met this week, they had parking on the brain. First, they approved construction of yet another downtown parking lot, despite the city’s own parking study showing that the area already has more parking than it needs. Then, they discussed whether to require the historic Victorian “Pinc Lady” mansion to pave over its garden for a parking lot to serve patrons of its new café and lodging rooms. Thankfully, that idea was voted down.

But they weren’t done talking about parking! It was also a hot topic in their discussions about the city’s housing plans, and about the update of its coastal zoning code. Unfortunately, we at CRTP have to talk about parking a lot too, as we try to undo the damage done to our communities by decades of policies requiring way too much of it everywhere – and the resulting cultural expectation of being able to store your personal vehicle anywhere you want, in public, for free.

Eureka City Council to Talk Downtown Housing and Transit
Next Tuesday’s Eureka City Council agenda includes the scheduled adoption of an amended Housing Element, the legally binding document that details the city’s plans for developing new housing. Although we continue to be deeply disappointed with the decision to scrap plans for housing on several downtown parking lots, the new Element does include the exciting housing-and-transit EaRTH Center as well as other much-needed infill development on city-owned lots – and it commits to soliciting proposals from developers for all these sites within 6 months. For those reasons, CRTP is supporting the amended Housing Element.

Speaking of the EaRTH Center, the Council will also be considering an agreement with Cal Poly Humboldt to help fund student housing as part of that project, bringing it one step closer to reality.

Your reports help us advocate for safer streets.
Make a report on Street Story every time you see or experience a new hazard, near-miss or collision. La versión en español está disponible aquí.

News from Beyond the North Coast

Sidewalks Are Important!
But in many communities – including here on the North Coast – building and maintaining sidewalks is the responsibility of adjacent property owners, even while government agencies pay to maintain the streets. This typically results in a patchwork of deteriorating sidewalks which are impossible to navigate for many people. Advocates in Denver are looking to change that with a ballot initiative that would provide dedicated public funding for sidewalks.

Walking is So Good For You
That’s not news. But a new study finds that you don’t have to walk many miles a day to improve your health – every little bit helps. Considering that the average American takes 4 trips a day, almost all by car, converting even just one short trip a day to active transportation would have a huge impact on public health – not to mention the climate.

Eureka City Council to Reconsider Bike Safety Improvements!

Posted on October 7, 2022 by Colin Fiske

The Collector

October 7, 2022

Will Arcata Planning Commission Make Some Decisions on the Gateway Plan?
The Commissioners were supposed to make key recommendations about issues like building heights at their last meeting, but didn’t get to it because of long discussion about another agenda item. Next week, the Gateway Plan is the only item on their agenda. Taller buildings are needed to achieve levels of density that support real walkability, bikeability, and better public transit, so the recommendation on building heights will be an important one for Arcata’s transportation future. But the City Council will have the final say.

Eureka City Council to Reconsider Bike Safety Improvements!
At the end of its Tuesday meeting, the Council decided to reconsider its previous rejection of one-lane streets with bikeways on W and Dolbeer Streets. The issue is now expected to come back to the Council on October 18th. On another topic, Councilmember (and soon-to-be County Supervisor) Natalie Arroyo also requested city staff return at some time in the future with a plan for filling gaps in the city’s sidewalk network. And the Council also approved a revolving loan fund for streetscape improvements. Meanwhile, potential future Councilmembers recently weighed in on some transportation issues as well.

The Invention of “Jaywalking”
Learn how, starting in the early 1900s, people were deprived of their long-held right to walk in public streets and roads in this article by CRTP Executive Director Colin Fiske. But things may be turning around! Last week Governor Newsom signed a bill that prohibits police from stopping people who cross the street safely outside a crosswalk – effectively decriminalizing a lot of “jaywalking.”

Take the Survey About Street Safety in Arcata
The city is developing a local road safety plan and wants your input. They also want you to make more reports on Street Story!

CRTP & Allies Issue Statement on PG&E Power Pole Herbicide Spraying
Many power poles are in or near areas where people walk, bike and roll, and measures must be taken to protect kids and other vulnerable road users from dangerous pesticides.

Humboldt Residents to Be Appointed to Statewide Transportation Equity Committee
At its meeting next week, the California Transportation Commission will appoint members – including local advocate for people with disabilities (and CRTP Board Member) Peggy Martinez, as well as Cal Poly Humboldt Executive Director of Initiatives Connie Stewart – to a committee to advice Caltrans and other agencies on how to improve transportation equity.

Funding for Bay Trail South Set for Final Approval!
Also on the state Transportation Commission’s agenda next week is approval of construction funding for the final 4 miles of the Bay Trail connecting Arcata and Eureka. The long-awaited trail is currently scheduled for construction next summer. If you missed the recent Trails Summit, get more local trail updates here.

Words Are Nice, But We Need Safer Streets
Check out the op-ed by CRTP Board Member Carisse Geronimo.

Gas Prices Are Super High Again
Apparently, no one knows why or what to do about it. We remind policymakers that you don’t need gas to walk, bike, roll, or take an electric bus.

More Bills Signed and Vetoed by Newsom
Before the deadline last week, Governor Newsom approved bills requiring the development of statewide bike parking standards, and one that further supports development of the Great Redwood Trail, among many others. Disturbingly, he vetoed a bill that would have required transportation spending to align with the state’s climate goals. And he signed a bill that will impose onerous insurance requirements on scooter-share systems, striking a potentially critical blow to low-carbon “micromobility” systems. Check out the article linked in the headline for a full review of bills signed and vetoed.

Ride the Bus!

Posted on September 30, 2022 by Colin Fiske

The Collector

September 30, 2022

$500,000 for Eureka Streetscape Improvements?
On Tuesday, the City Council will consider establishing a loan fund to support businesses making improvements like curb extensions, bike parking and public art.

Ride the Bus!
Check out CRTP Vice President Tom Wheeler’s handy guide to riding the bus in Humboldt County.

Eureka Council Stops Safety Improvements on W & Dolbeer Streets
Despite overwhelming evidence that safety would be improved and a recommendation from the city’s Transportation Safety Commission to move forward with the project, 3 of the 5 Councilmembers voted against it.

Migrations: Walking Together in Arcata
Join all or part of the walk on Saturday from the Arcata Playhouse to Carlson Park for this “multi-disciplinary, multicultural performance project.”

Unmet Transit Needs Hearings Coming Up
Do you have a problem with the local bus system that our transit agencies could fix? Attend one of the upcoming annual Unmet Transit Needs hearings and share your input. (Información en español aquí.) Any information you provide is useful to our local agencies. But it’s also important to know that there are legal and funding restrictions that prevent a lot of needed improvements from being made, so broader reforms are needed. Find out more about how this annual process works here.

Fish Farm Appeal Denied, New Commitments Made
While the vote to deny the appeal was unanimous, Supervisor Mike Wilson was still able to secure some changes to the project – including a commitment to an annual report on decarbonization of the truck fleet serving the facility.

Changes Coming to Arcata’s 8th and 9th Streets
They will become single-lane one ways between I and K Streets, hopefully with significant bike and pedestrian improvements. Check out a pop-up demonstration Saturday morning, and take the survey to provide your input.

Are You a Member of the Cal Poly Humboldt Community?
Join us at the Sustainable Transportation Fair next Tuesday!

Newsom Signs Bills Requiring Safer Traffic Signals, Traffic Safety Plans
AB 2264 will require most traffic signals to provide a “walk” sign at least 3 seconds before the light turns green for cars, to improve safety and visibility for pedestrians. SB 932 requires cities and counties to incorporate better bike, pedestrian and traffic safety plans into their General Plans.

But He Vetoes Support for E-Bikes, Car-Free Households
Newsom killed a bill that would have provided tax breaks for zer0-car households, and one that would have made an e-bike voucher program permanent – even though that program is already funded and under development.

Second Major City Poised to Ban Right-on-Red
The maneuver, legalized by an obscure provision of a federal energy policy law in the 1970s, has long been known to be dangerous for pedestrians.

Bloated Gas-Guzzler Sales Undoing Progress from EVs
People are buying more electric vehicles. But they’re also buying ever-bigger gas-powered trucks and SUVs, so emissions from the transportation sector keep going up.

Climate March, Trails Summit, Bike Rides and More!

Posted on September 23, 2022 by Colin Fiske

The Collector

September 23, 2022

Global Climate March Today at 5pm on Arcata Plaza
Take part in a global day of action and hear what local youth have to say about the future of the planet.

Eureka City Council Puts Off Decision on W and Dolbeer Streets
Commenters were split for and against the proposed project. CRTP acknowledges that it’s natural for people to have concerns about changes to a street in front of an elementary school, and there are some design improvements that can and should be made. But we also believe that decisions like this should be based on evidence, and the evidence is clear that high-quality bike facilities and narrower streets increase safety for everyone, including kids.

2022 Humboldt Trails Summit Tomorrow
Hear about what’s going on in the local trail scene, including updates from Humboldt County Deputy Public Works Director Hank Seemann and State Senator Mike McGuire.

Take a “Good Neighbor Bike Ride” in Eureka
Join the good folks at Bike Party Humboldt and meet some new friends and neighbors.

Arcata Planning Commission to Try Working Through Gateway Issues
Next Tuesday, Commissioners will participate in an exercise to “identify concerns and solutions” related to hot-button issues like building height, community benefits and public engagement. We hope this exercise will finally result in some votes to start moving this important plan forward. In the meantime, check CRTP Executive Director Colin Fiske’s recent op-ed in the Times-Standard explaining why parking is not – and should not be – a focus of the plan.

Humboldt Supervisors to Hear Nordic Aquafarms Appeal Next Wednesday
Among the issues raised by appellants is the likely undercounting of emissions from long-distance trucking to serve the massive facility.

What Does PG&E’s Mess in Southern Humboldt Mean for Climate Action?
Local officials are sounding the alarm that the apparent moratorium on new electric hookups in the area could hamstring climate action, which requires electrification of buildings and vehicles. CRTP shares this concern. But we have also always known that electrification is not enough – we also have to reduce overall energy use, especially driving. This latest mess is a reminder that the climate crisis can’t be solved by just swapping out an electric machine for a fossil-powered one and continuing on with business as usual. Thankfully, driving less and lowering energy use have a lot of other benefits for health, safety, the economy and the environment as well!

Newsom Signs Bike Omnibus Bill!
The new law requires cars to change lanes (where possible) when passing a bike, allows bikes to follow pedestrian signals at intersections, prohibits local governments from requiring a bike license, and allows all e-bikes to use bike facilities by default. The governor also signed AB 2097 this week, which will prohibit parking requirements near high-quality public transit. The North Coast doesn’t currently have transit services that qualify, but hopefully we will in the future! Also signed into law was AB 1938, which makes it slightly easier to lower speed limits.

Eureka City Council to Decide on Bike Safety Project

Posted on September 16, 2022 by Colin Fiske

The Collector

September 16, 2022

Arcata Highway Canyon Could Be Covered One Day
Decades ago, many Arcatans fought to prevent Caltrans from digging a massive trench through the heart of town to make Highway 101 into a freeway. Now, CRTP has learned that Caltrans may apply for a grant to study “capping” that freeway and adding new facilities like a transit hub and bus rapid transit system. A highway cap – or the related alternative of turning the freeway back into a slower urban street – could potentially create enough real estate not only for a transit hub but also much-needed amenities like parks and housing. It could help reconnect Cal Poly Humboldt and surrounding neighborhoods with the rest of town. This concept is in its earliest stages, so stay tuned for more information in the coming months.

Eureka City Council to Decide on Bike Safety Project on W and Dolbeer Streets
City staff have proposed making them one-lane, one-way streets near Washington Elementary School and the zoo, in order to add bike facilities. Good bikeways are especially critical in places like this, where a lot of kids are likely to be biking or walking. These streets are also intended to anchor the future Bay-to-Zoo Trail, making it even more important that they have safe biking infrastructure. Show up or email the City Council to voice your support, and ask that they include a physical barrier between the bike lane and the cars.

Cal Poly Humboldt Holding Public Meetings on Campus Development Plans
There are two meetings next week where you can tell university administrators to follow its recently adopted Climate Action Plan – in other words, cancel plans for costly new parking structures, build on-campus bike storage facilities, and expand bikeshare and carshare systems, among other things.

Ride Your Bike to the North Country Fair!
CRTP will be providing free bike valet for anyone who arrives on a pedal-powered device. Come on down and see us!

Arcata Planning Commission Again Puts Off Gateway Plan Decisions
Commissioners seemed to reject the idea of a new Gateway task force – which CRTP also opposes as an unnecessary delay in the process – and inched toward supporting some of the proposed building heights, but didn’t take any actual votes. Meanwhile Alex Stillman has become the second Councilmember forced to recuse herself from future decision-making on the plan, and the city’s Transportation Safety Committee may reconsider its position on the plan’s proposed L and K Street changes next week.

Humboldt’s Road System Is Just Too Big and Expensive to Maintain
Despite an infusion of federal funding, the county still has a significant road funding deficit, largely driven by the constant need to repair major storm damage on rural roads.

Newsom Vetoes Free Transit Passes for Kids…
Despite recent record surpluses in Sacramento, he says it’s just not in the budget. Find a more comprehensive legislative update from CalBike here.

…But There’s Apparently Plenty of Money to Support Our Gas Habit
Look for “gas refund” checks arriving from the state soon.

States Are Still Spending Huge Amounts of Money to Expand Highways
Despite the federal government finally recommending against it.

Let’s Make a World Where We Don’t Care About Gas Prices

Posted on September 9, 2022 by Colin Fiske

The Collector

September 9, 2022

Another Important Gateway Meeting Next Week
Arcata Planning Commissioners are expected to be asked to actually vote on recommendations for building heights and maybe other hot topics. Building heights are closely related to density, which is a key feature of any walkable neighborhood.

Bongio Must Go
CRTP joins many other local organizations in calling for Alan Bongio’s resignation or removal from the Humboldt County Planning Commission. His recent racist outbursts demonstrated clearly that he is both unfit for office and unable to apply the rules and regulations fairly and impartially.

Local Gas Prices Still in the News
What the media coverage fails to mention is that as a rule it’s cheaper to ride the bus, walk, bike, or charge an electric vehicle than to fill up a tank with gas. And it’s more fun too!

Eureka Planning Commission to Take on Coastal Zoning, EVs and Bike Parking
On Monday, Commissioners will review edits to the zoning code, including some intended to encourage more electric vehicle charging stations and bike parking. They will also hear a presentation about the city’s progress toward updating its coastal land use rules, which hopefully will bring the coastal parts of the city in line with the 2018 General Plan and zoning code overhaul that promote more walkable infill development.

Humboldt County Seeks Consultant on Measuring Changes in Miles Driven
Almost a decade after a state law required environmental reviews to measure the impact of new development on vehicle miles traveled (VMT), the county is finally trying to standardize the practice. In the interim, the way the county has applied the law to major projects like the McKay Tract subdivision and Nordic Aquafarms has been pretty disappointing. We hope the county selects a consultant who is up to the task of preparing reasonable and evidence-based standards.

We know you’ve experienced unsafe streets around here.
Report near-misses, collisions, and hazardous locations on Street Story. La versión en español está disponible aquí.

Air Resources Board Proposes Deeper Reductions in Driving Statewide
Experts universally agree that we have to drive a lot less in order to meet climate goals. But the state board faces a challenge, since many of the measures that could replace driving with walking, biking or taking the bus are under local control.

Urban Highways Are Racist and Dangerous
Let’s get rid of them.

Car Culture Has Taken Over Our Brains
Why is it that when a road doesn’t allow cars but does allow all other users, we say it is “closed” rather than “open”?

Transit Funding Could Be on the 2024 Ballot in Humboldt

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Colin Fiske

The Collector

September 2, 2022

Transit Funding Could Be Included in Local 2024 Ballot Measure
Yesterday, the Humboldt County Association of Governments Technical Advisory Committee discussed a potential 2024 local transportation tax ballot measure. Local public works officials advocated for allowing each city (and the county) to set its own priorities for spending, rather than limiting eligible activities just to maintenance. At CRTP’s urging, officials also agreed to consider including public transit funding in the measure – particularly if it proves popular in public polling. Stay tuned for future opportunities to express your support for putting transit funding on the ballot!

Eureka Residents Want Crosswalks Near Elementary School
Dolbeer Street is also the site of a potential lane reduction and improved bike infrastructure, as we have previously reported. We hope that when the city paints the needed crosswalks, they also take the opportunity to implement those other important safety improvements.

Elk Valley/Highway 199 Intersection May Finally Get Safety Upgrades
Funding has been identified for the project, which has been a priority in Del Norte County for years. The project will be discussed at a Del Norte Local Transportation Commission meeting next Tuesday.

Arcata Council to Approve New Bus Driver Position
The new position will be closer to full-time, allowing better pay and benefits and hopefully attracting more candidates. (There is currently a nationwide bus driver shortage.) Next Wednesday’s agenda also includes approval of a contractor to develop plans to improve the dangerous LK Wood/Sunset Ave intersection, and the purchase of what may be the region’s first electric pickup truck for a public fleet.

What Does the Inflation Reduction Act Mean for the North Coast?
CRTP Executive Director Colin Fiske joins other local environmental leaders for a discussion on the EcoNews Report.

We know you’ve experienced unsafe streets around here.
Report near-misses, collisions, and hazardous locations on Street Story. La versión en español está disponible aquí.

More Transportation Bills Heading to Governor’s Desk
The legislative session is over, and even more bills are currently heading for Newsom’s desk. In addition to those mentioned in last week’s edition of The Collector, they include:

AB 1938, which would take another small step toward allowing lower speed limits
AB 2438, which would require many of the state’s transportation funding programs to align with its greenhouse gas reduction goals
AB 2097, which would prohibit local governments from requiring parking at new developments near high-quality public transit (under the legal definition, the North Coast doesn’t yet have any high-quality transit – but if we keep advocating, someday we will!)

Two Big Disappointments at the End of the Legislative Session
In addition to the many bills supported by transportation advocates which made it through the legislature, there were two major setbacks. First, the governor’s opposition again killed a bill that would have legalized the “rolling stop” for bikes, even though overwhelming evidence shows that existing bike laws do not improve safety and are disproportionately enforced on people of color. Second, the bill mandating onerous insurance requirements for scooter share systems (thankfully the bike share mandate was removed) was approved by the legislature. If Newsom signs it, we may see many of the smaller shared scooter systems disappear across the state.

Putting a Spotlight on “Unseen Cyclists”
Many unhoused people rely on bikes to move themselves and their possessions. Their needs deserve to be considered when planning bike infrastructure.

Speed Limits Could Be Self-Enforcing
The technology exists to force cars to drive below the speed limit. Why don’t we use it?

Why Are Our Communities Designed for Cars Instead of People?

Posted on August 26, 2022 by Colin Fiske

The Collector

August 26, 2022

Decision Makers Support Gateway Building Heights
At their joint meeting this week, the largest subset of Arcata City Councilmembers and Planning Commissioners supported the proposed building height limits in the draft plan (ranging from 5 to 8 stories). They also supported the plan for a K/L Street one-way couplet that would address dangerous conditions for walking and biking on K Street. These results bode well for the future of the bike and pedestrian friendly plan. But no final decisions were made, leaving lingering questions about what will happen next. One way to have your say is to fill out this newly available survey (if you didn’t do it already at the August 16th workshop).

Why Are Our Communities Designed for Cars Instead of People?
CRTP Executive Director Colin Fiske will delve into the history in a series of articles in the EcoNews, starting this month with the story of the first traffic laws.

Committee to Discuss Possible Transportation Tax Measure
Next Thursday, the Humboldt County Association of Governments Technical Advisory Committee will discuss the transportation tax ballot measure recently proposed by Supervisor Steve Madrone. This will be the first public discussion of the topic since it appeared on a Board of Supervisors agenda last month. CRTP believes it is imperative that the measure include funding for active transportation and transit, not just roads.

Bike Rodeo in Valley West This Weekend
Join the City of Arcata and a variety of community organizations this Sunday in Carlson Park for a fun and educational celebration of all things bike.

Humboldt Supervisors Establish Samoa Infrastructure District Fund
With more people living in the area, and the potential for huge increases in industrial activity and trucking, the new district could eventually help fund long-needed safe bike and pedestrian infrastructure on the Samoa peninsula.

We know you’ve experienced unsafe streets around here.
Report near-misses, collisions, and hazardous locations on Street Story. La versión en español está disponible aquí.

Transportation Bills Heading to Governor’s Desk
It’s almost the end of the legislative session in Sacramento, and that means a lot of bills are moving quickly. Bills currently approved by the legislature and heading for Newsom’s signature (or veto) include:

AB 2147, decriminalizing “jaywalking”
AB 1909, requiring cars to change lanes when passing a bike, allowing bikes to follow pedestrian signals at intersections, prohibiting local bike licensing requirements, and expanding e-bike access to bike facilities
AB 2264, requiring many traffic signals to give pedestrians a head start at crossing the street
AB 1919, creating a program to fund free rides for kids on local transit systems
AB 117, creating a permanent subsidy program for e-bikes
SB 922, making some bike, pedestrian and transit plans and projects exempt from environmental review
AB 2863, requiring the development of bike parking standards for new development

US Traffic Fatalities Are Skyrocketing, and Some Communities Are Hit Harder than Others
The dramatic increase in fatalities that started at the onset of the pandemic hasn’t let up – the disproportionate impact on low-income people and people of color is getting even worse.

It’s Official: California Won’t Allow Gas Cars After 2035
Well, sort of. Some plug-in hybrids will still be allowed. And so will heavy-duty diesel trucks. And gas-powered cars and trucks already on the road will still be both driven and sold in the used car market. Which is why we won’t be able to meet climate targets without also reducing driving levels overall.

Big Decisions Coming Up for Gateway Plan

Posted on August 19, 2022 by Colin Fiske

The Collector

August 19, 2022

Big Decisions Coming Up for Gateway Plan
At a study session next Tuesday, the Arcata City Council and Planning Commission are likely to make decisions about some of the most contentious issues, including building height, the proposed L/K Street couplet, and the ongoing review process for the plan. CRTP’s priorities include preserving density for housing and walkability – meaning taller buildings must be allowed – along with improving bike and pedestrian safety on K Street, and ensuring that plan adoption isn’t unnecessarily delayed. People who bike, walk, take the bus, or need a place to live can’t afford to wait for this plan to be implemented – and neither can the climate! Email the City Council and attend the meeting to make your voice heard.

Bike Share System Expanding in Arcata!
At its meeting this week, the Arcata City Council approved adding 4 new stations and 20 new bikes to the existing bike share system. The new stations, funded through the Sorrel Place and 30th Street Commons projects, will be at those project locations and near well-used bus stops. (Meanwhile, a bill which would threaten the financial viability of all bike-share systems is still moving through the legislature.)

Harris Street Partially Closed Due to Risk to Firefighters
After a near-miss incident, the City of Eureka closed Harris Street to vehicles in the area where fire crews have been staging to fight wildfires in the region. We’re happy the city took action before someone was actually hit by a driver. We also think firefighters aren’t the only people who deserve protection from speeding drivers, and we hope the city expands this policy to temporarily close other streets where near-misses, hazards, and crashes occur.

Workshop Shows Support for Denser Development
This week’s workshop on form-based codes and the Arcata Gateway Plan was the best-attended public meeting yet on the plan, with over 50 people tuning in via Zoom. Live polling during the workshop showed broad support for taller buildings – perhaps a surprise to those who have only been listening to the comments at other recent meetings – and a focus on walkability and transit.

Nordic Aquafarms Environmental Approval Appealed
CRTP is not part of the appeal, but remains concerned about issues including the safety and emissions impacts of a lot of new trucks on local roadways.

Hey you! Yes, you.
Have you experienced a near-miss, collision, or hazardous location on a local street or highway? Report it today on Street Story, so CRTP and others (including the government agencies in charge of our streets) can help identify the spots most in need of safety improvements. La versión en español está disponible aquí.

What Do the Federal Climate Bill’s EV Incentives Mean for the North Coast?
Representative Huffman and Redwood Coast Energy Authority Executive Director Matthew Marshall give their thoughts in this Times-Standard article. Meanwhile, experts point out that the best way to fight both inflation and climate change is to get people out of the trap of car ownership to begin with.

A Whole Bunch of Transportation Bills Are Nearing the Finish Line in Sacramento
Bills likely to make it to the governor’s desk would decriminalize jaywalking, legalize the rolling “safety stop” for adults on bikes, require drivers to change lanes when passing bikes, provide further support for the Great Redwood Trail, align funding with climate targets, require traffic signals to give a pedestrian head-start, give a tax credit to each member of a household without their own car, and a lot more. If Newsom signs them all, expect to see pretty significant changes on our streets and roads in the years to come.