Bikeway Updates

Revitalized Linear Park Bikeway

The popular Linear Park bike path, connecting the tourist corridor with the center of town, from Ski Run Blvd. to the where Pioneer Trail meets Hwy 50, has been under construction for the past month.  The project includes new landscaping, irrigation system, overhead lighting, and a newly rebuilt shared-used bikeway.  This will be well received by pedestrians and bicyclists alike because there have been significant cracks on the path for the past couple of years.

Elk Point to Round Hill Pines Bikeway Under Construction

Phase two of the three phase South Demonstration Project is currently under construction.  The section will connect this year's completed phase one, from Kahle Drive to Elk Point Road, and will continue from Elk Point Road traveling on the lakeside of Round Mound (popularly known as Round Hill) going through Round Hill Pines Resort and continuing on to connect at Hwy 50 near Bourne's Meadow (the site of the opening shot for the TV western series Bonanza).

If true to schedule, phase three from Stateline Blvd., up Lake Parkway, parallel to Hwy 50 alongside Edgewood Golf Course, and then turning left and behind Lakeside Inn to connect with the bike path at Kahle Drive will be completed next year.

Class Two Bike Lanes Planned on Lake Parkway

Bike advocates requested Douglas County to place bike lanes along Lake Parkway to increase safety for bicyclists and motorists' awareness that bicyclists are using these Stateline connectors. Douglas County agreed and the lanes should be appearing in the coming weeks.  Kudos to Douglas County.

Last year, the City of South Lake Tahoe received a grant in the amount of $450,000 from the California Department of Transportation's Bicycle Account, and additional funding from Measure R to resurface its bike paths. The two bike bridges will also be renovated with the installation of new wooden blanks. Bridge funding also comes from Measure R - the amended Measure S the voters approved for bike path maintenance and other recreational facilities in 2000.

 

The construction bid went out a couple of weeks ago and the resurfacing and bridge work is slated to be completed this month. A new rubberized asphalt material will be used to reduce path cracking by allowing flexibility during the expansion and contraction from temperature changes - this should extend the durability of the paths and thereby help reduce maintenance costs in the future.

 

New Single Track Loop Trail Designated

 A new single track mountain bike and hiking trail was designated during National Trails Day, annually the first Saturday in June, and named the CAL/NEVA LOOP trail.  This project was a collaboration between the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) and the California Tahoe Conservancy. Trail supervisor, Clay Grubb, a TRTA volunteer and project leader, deserves much appreciation for his efforts in re-routing and improving the trail. 

  

 

 

The CAL/NEVA LOOP trail is located in the Van Sickle Bi-State Park.  The trail begins at the Gondola Road in the California Day Use Area in the Park and bisects the Van Sickle Connector Trail.  Another trail section continues beyond the park boundaries and connects to Adams Court off of Saddle Road - this is under US Forest Service jurisdiction.  This trail provides easy access to great Lake and forest vistas within walking distance of the tourist lodging base in Stateline. 

 

NORTH TAHOE/TRUCKEE

Truckee River Legacy Trail

 Phase 3B of the Truckee River Legacy Trail, a bike/ped path, is currently under construction along the Truckee River.  This 2.5 mile section will be added to the 2.5 mile section completed last year for a total of five miles paralleling the river - allowing travelers to go from the Truckee Regional Park to the Glenshire residential area.  This is a much needed route as for years bicyclists have been putting themselves at risk riding on the narrow high speed road between town and Glenshire. 

 

According to Truckee Town representatives, the Legacy Trail will be a tremendous asset to the region - recreationally, historically and culturally. The Trail will provide numerous locations for water and fishing access, bring attention to the historical ice ponds, once an important commercial enterprise servicing the miners in the late 1800's, while also honoring the cultural heritage of the Washoe Tribe who thrived in the area for thousands of years. Completion date is scheduled for October 2014.

Free Bike Racks Available To City Businesses 

There remain a few bike racks available free of charge to businesses within the City Limits of South Lake Tahoe.  These racks are made available by the City of South Lake Tahoe and were designed by the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition.  Businesses interested in bike racks must request an application form from the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition who is managing the application process.  The City will deliver the racks but each business must install the racks themselves.  Email biketahoe@aol.com to request the application packet.

"GiveMe3"

"GiveMe3: is the California Bicycle Coalition's campaign to get drivers to give a safe three feet of clearance when passing a  bicyclists.  Assembly Bill 1371 amends the Vehicle code to specify three feet as the safe passing distance.  The Bill has passed both the State's House and Senate.  21 other states have enacted similar legislation .  Tell Governor Brown it's time California do the same!

Over 40% of fatal bike crashes are caused by motorists passing unsafely.  And yet, Governor Brown vetoed our previous two "3 foot" bills.  With your help today, the third time could be the charm.  Please urge Governor Brown to sign AB 1371.  

Thank you for your help putting grassroots pressure on Governor Brown today to make our streets safer for us all.  http://www.transformca.org/action/tell-governor-sign-AB-1371 .