May 2023 proved to be a banner month for new bicycle infrastructure in Santa Monica.

After 19 months of construction, the City of Santa Monica has announced the near completion of the Safe Streets for 17th Street and Michigan Avenue project, which has added roughly 8,000 feet of new protected bike way, as well as new protected intersections, pedestrian lighting, curb extensions, upgraded signals, and new paint.

Concrete extruder builds new curb along Ocean Avenue bike laneCity of Santa Monica

Late May also saw the construction of a new concrete median along the existing Ocean Avenue protected bikeway, which was built nearly three years ago. The Ocean Avenue bikeway - which connects cyclists to the the Colorado Esplanade, Downtown Santa Monica Station, and California Incline bike path - was originally separated from automobile by a series of plastic pylons. While those offer visibility, they provide little protection from wayward drivers.

Additionally, work is slated to begin in mid-June for the new Michigan Avenue and 20th Street Bicycle and Pedestrian Connection Project. In approximately 10 months, the project is expected to add a new pedestrian and bike path to the north side of the 10 Freeway between 20th and 21st streets, as well as a two-way protected bike lane on 20th Street, and a bike path between 19th Court and 20th Street.

20th Street Bike and Pedestrian ImprovementsCity of Santa Monica

Plans also call for new street lighting, landscaping, and fencing within the project area.

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