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How Did We Get Here? When the Pasadena Department of Transportation (Pasadena DOT) released their draft proposal for the “North Lake Avenue Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Plan”, it neglected a key element of any good complete streets plan - there were no safety improvements proposed for people riding bicycles! Making the street safe for all street users is the best way to create a North Lake Avenue that is lively and walkable with thriving local businesses, where neighbors can spend quality time dining, shopping and strolling. As a result, Pasadena CSC launched a campaign to have the plan amended by including bicycle safety considerations. PasadenaCSC organized data gathering and community input, which included; a Parking Audit, Action Alerts, meetings with Neighborhood Associations and stakeholders, and creating a proposed design. Pasadena DOT evaluated the ideas put forward, but for various reasons decided to not move forward with a true complete streets plan for North Lake Ave. However, due to the momentum created by the campaign, there was a push among neighboring residents and Planning Commission members to improve North Lake Ave via the North Lake Ave Specific Plan (NLSP)! In May, the Planning Commission created a Subcommittee to draft recommendations to improve the public realm section of the NLSP - specifically to improve conditions for people walking and biking! On Wednesday, the Subcommittee is reporting back with their recommendations. The recommendations include protected bike lanes on North Lake Avenue, reducing street parking, and prioritizing pedestrian space. The full list of recommendations can be found here: (LINK)
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