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(SACRAMENTO) - Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) introduced AB 954 that would launch a pilot program for Caltrans to develop a bike highway program. Offering full separation from motor vehicles, bike highways accommodate high volumes of people traveling longer distance on bicycles (more than 3 miles) by connecting users to major destinations, employment centers, and transit hubs.
Bike highways offer an important alternative to residents seeking relief from rising gas prices and those working to lower their carbon footprint . In June 2022, Caltrans released a Bay Area Bike Highway Study that identifies feasible opportunities to add these corridors and incorporates best practices most suitable for the region. With the U.S. importing an estimated 2.4 million e-bikes between 2020-2023 , commuting longer distances by bike is becoming more feasible for the average consumer. California prioritizes bicycling as a key part of its larger decarbonization goals , and is among 19 states offering assistance to purchase an e-bike with the launch of the California E-Bike Incentive Program in late 2024 . The State of California was recognized as the 4th most Bicycle Friendly State in the Country by the League of American Bicyclists in December 2024.