Few deny that Santa Barbara City Council’s unanimous vote on Tuesday approving plans for a new crosstown bicycle boulevard along Sola Street will make cycling safer for inexperienced riders. Touted as “transformational” by proponents, it should have been cause for celebration. But instead, the Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) and its supporters dominated the council meeting, accusing high-ranking transportation city planners of strong-arm tactics. They, in turn, were accused of “historical elitism” and promoting “colonialist aesthetics” by at least one councilmember and several bicycle advocates.
Sparking this intense debate were two traffic-engineering devices known as diverters. According to traffic planner Rob Dayton and engineer Derrick Bailey, diverters are key to reducing traffic along Sola so that novice riders will feel safe. The new bike lane will start on the Westside, cross the Micheltorena Street Bridge, dogleg down Castillo Street one block, turn left on Sola, and ultimately spill out — after a crosstown ramble — by Santa Barbara High School.
Two diverters, one where Sola crosses De la Vina, another at Santa Barbara Street, will “force” motorists to turn right because of street alterations, trees planted in a new median, curb extensions, concrete planter boxes, and two tall concrete tongues that will divert motorists out of the left-hand lane. And yes, these intersections will be slathered in the bright-green paint that one member of the HLC warned would make Sola look like a miniature golf course.