What's Happening in Encinitas, CA…

A portion of La Costa Avenue in Encinitas will soon get a makeover to make it more friendly for cyclists and pedestrians.

The stretch of La Costa between the Coast Highway and Interstate 5 will be restriped, and bike lanes will be added in both directions. In addition, a pedestrian lane will be added along the south side, which will reduce the driving lanes to 11 feet in width in both directions. The work will cost Encinitas approximately $9,000, since crews will have to grind off some of the paint that marks the median, and move it to make room for the new stripes.

The impetus for the work came from Encinitas residents who live along the avenue, and who asked for something to be done to help pedestrians. The request split the city council, with some favoring the pedestrian option more than the bike paths, and vice versa. In the end, a compromise was reached and both ideas incorporated into the plan.

Traffic engineers warned that drivers might have to cross the median illegally to avoid cyclists, who will be riding in a much narrower lane than in the past. However, plan supporters argued that the narrower traffic lanes would force drivers to slow down, making both bicyclists and pedestrian safer.

City officials could work with a flyer printing company on a mailer that would explain the changes to Encinitas residents.