Save the Date: 17th Street Protected Bike Lane Ribbon Cutting in 12/2 at 9 a.m.

What: Ribbon Cutting for the 17th Street Bikeway

Who: Mayor Gleam Davis, Bike advocates, 17th Street Residents and more!

When: Saturday, December 2, from 9 a.m.-noon

The ribbon cutting will feature a press event, community booths, entertainment, a bike giveaway and more.

Earlier this year, the City of Santa Monica opened protected bike lanes for one mile from Wilshire Boulevard to Pico Boulevard. The lanes were installed as a result of the fast growth of non-motorized transportation along the corridor after the opening of the Expo Line (E-Line). 17th Street has seen increases in walking (up 1600 percent) and bicycling (up 82 percent). Streetsblog’s Joe Linton rode the lanes to write a preview and found the infrastructure “amazing!”.

But that doesn’t mean the lanes have had universal support. Some residents that live on and near 17th street complained about the loss of parking prompting Councilmember Phil Brock to place a motion on the City Council agenda calling for more study, perhaps leading to a rollback of the project. However, there was little support for the motion and he ultimately pulled it before it could be voted upon.

About The Author

Damien Newton

Damien is the executive director of the Southern California Streets Initiative which publishes Santa Monica Next, Streetsblog Los Angeles, Streetsblog San Francisco, Streetsblog California and Longbeachize.

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