HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-05; Traffic and Mobility Commission; ; US BIKE ROUTE 95 DESIGNATIONSItem 2
Meeting Date: Oct. 5, 2020
To: Traffic and Mobility Commission
Staff Contact: Nathan Schmidt, Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager
Nathan.schmidt@carlsbadca.gov, 760-602-2745
Subject: US Bike Route 95 Designation
Recommended Action
Approve a recommendation for the City Council to execute a letter of resolution for the
designation of a US Bike Route 95 through the City of Carlsbad.
Executive Summary
The Adventure Cycling Association has partnered with the American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) on a national effort to help identify a US Bicycle
Route system. US Bicycle Route 95 (USBR-95) begins at the California/Oregon border and will
terminate at the International Friendship park in San Diego. It will be the westernmost route in
the contiguous United States. The City of Carlsbad lies within the USBR-95 corridor and
Adventure Cycling seeks to formally designate this route.
Background
Adventure Cycling Association has partnered with the AASHTO on a national effort to help
identify a nationwide network of bicycle routes known as the US Bicycle Route system. The
effort designates routes across the country to facilitate interstate travel by bicycle on routes
that have been identified as suitable for cycling.
AASHTO originally created the US Bicycle Route System (USBRS) in the early 1980s and to date
there are designated USBRs in 24 states. When complete the USBRS will encompass more than
50,000 miles of routes and open up new opportunities for cross-country travel, regional bicycle
touring and commuting by bicycle. The USBRS has grown bicycle tourism and local economics
with very little investment. Presently, more than 40 states are working to develop routes for
the USBRS.
The planned portion of USBR-95 through California begins at the California/Oregon border
following the coast until it will terminate at the at the International Friendship Park at the
international border with Mexico.
In the City of Carlsbad, the entire 6.8 mile route alignment is on Carlsbad Boulevard from the
City of Oceanside to the City of Encinitas city limits.
With support and approval via a letter of resolution from the City Council, Adventure Cycling
will work with Caltrans to make the request to AASHTO for the designation.
The City of Carlsbad will not be required to take any additional action. Route marking (signage
and/or bike lane paint marking) are not required. Facility construction and upgrades are not
required. The USBR routes almost exclusively use roads and streets suitable for bicycle
travelers with separated trails incorporated where appropriate. Caltrans will determine road
suitability and submit AASHTO application for USBR designation.
The US Bicycle Route System is shown in Exhibit 1 and the proposed route with in the City of
Carlsbad on Carlsbad Boulevard is shown in Exhibit 2.
Necessary Council Action
Staff will prepare a letter of resolution for City Council review and approval.
Next Steps
Following the Traffic and Mobility Commission’s review, staff will bring a staff report to the City
Council and recommend that the City Council approve a letter of resolution to Caltrans for the
designation of a US Bike Route 95 through the City of Carlsbad.
After AASHTO approves the USBR-95, Caltrans and/or Calbike will publish a USBR-95 tour map
that will be made available to bicycle tourists.
Exhibits
1. US Bicycle Route System
2. US Bicycle Route 95 alignment through the City of Carlsbad
Exhibit 1: US Bicycle Route System
Exhibit 2: USBR-95 Carlsbad Segment Alignment
Exhibit 1: US Bicycle Route System
Exhibit 2: USBR-95 Carlsbad Segment Alignment