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Current Issue Links
The Indian Wells Valley community continues to demonstrate its interest in cycling as the local workshop
attracted the largest turnout to the most recent in a series of forums hosted by Kern Council of Governments
to develop a countywide plan for bikeways.
Kern COG recently hired Alta Planning to develop the cycling plan, which would make Kern eligible for
current funding streams to improve the safety and usability of cycling routes.
Sam Corbett of Alta Planning opened with a presentation that summarized his firm’s approach to
developing the plan.
He noted that the state identifies three classes of cycling facilities: Class I, or bike paths, which are
separate trails reserved for nonmotorized vehicles; Class II, or bike lanes, which are dedicated spaces for
cyclists on existing roads; and Class III, which is only outlined by signage on an established roadway.
Another metric the firm is incorporating into plan development is how local cyclists identify their comfort
level on different kinds of bikeways. The firm is targeting those who are interested in cycling, but who are
relatively inactive because of safety concerns about existing facilities. Those cyclists are the most likely to
increase participation in bikeways with improvement to local facilities.
“This is not just a facility plan,” said Corbett. “We will have a network of facilities we will be recommending,
but we will also have a section on programs from enforcement to education. There is a lot of misinformation
in the public regarding riding skills and rules of the road — from the perspectives of both cyclists and
motorists.”
Corbett also noted that the county has several avenues to pursue for funding options — including grants
that address either public safety or air quality — but that the plan is rather a comprehensive list of needs and
general priorities, not a list of projects tagged for funding.
Robert Thompson, a former resident who has been representing the IWV in the process, gave a
presentation to the audience regarding the safety concerns for the most frequently traveled bikeways. Recent
deaths and injuries on local routes speak to the need for expansion of bikeways, he said.
“I think it was a very productive meeting,” said Vice Mayor Jerry Taylor, who has been involved in the
process as an avid cyclist and city representative. He pointed out that local cyclists not only boasted the
largest turnout to a workshop, but also highest participation in the county survey and largest single-day
turnout on local cycling paths.
“I hope that our voices have been heard and that we are ultimately able to influence the final draft of this plan.”
He also acknowledged the behind-the-scenes work of Thompson, whom he credits with bringing to light
the issue and coordinating local participation.
“I really appreciate his efforts on our behalf on the steering committee. We would not have been engaged
on this issue if he had not alerted the cycling community at the very beginning.”
Corbett said that his firm expects to complete its studies by the end of June and will then present its 20-
year plan to Kern COG.
attracted the largest turnout to the most recent in a series of forums hosted by Kern Council of Governments
to develop a countywide plan for bikeways.
Kern COG recently hired Alta Planning to develop the cycling plan, which would make Kern eligible for
current funding streams to improve the safety and usability of cycling routes.
Sam Corbett of Alta Planning opened with a presentation that summarized his firm’s approach to
developing the plan.
He noted that the state identifies three classes of cycling facilities: Class I, or bike paths, which are
separate trails reserved for nonmotorized vehicles; Class II, or bike lanes, which are dedicated spaces for
cyclists on existing roads; and Class III, which is only outlined by signage on an established roadway.
Another metric the firm is incorporating into plan development is how local cyclists identify their comfort
level on different kinds of bikeways. The firm is targeting those who are interested in cycling, but who are
relatively inactive because of safety concerns about existing facilities. Those cyclists are the most likely to
increase participation in bikeways with improvement to local facilities.
“This is not just a facility plan,” said Corbett. “We will have a network of facilities we will be recommending,
but we will also have a section on programs from enforcement to education. There is a lot of misinformation
in the public regarding riding skills and rules of the road — from the perspectives of both cyclists and
motorists.”
Corbett also noted that the county has several avenues to pursue for funding options — including grants
that address either public safety or air quality — but that the plan is rather a comprehensive list of needs and
general priorities, not a list of projects tagged for funding.
Robert Thompson, a former resident who has been representing the IWV in the process, gave a
presentation to the audience regarding the safety concerns for the most frequently traveled bikeways. Recent
deaths and injuries on local routes speak to the need for expansion of bikeways, he said.
“I think it was a very productive meeting,” said Vice Mayor Jerry Taylor, who has been involved in the
process as an avid cyclist and city representative. He pointed out that local cyclists not only boasted the
largest turnout to a workshop, but also highest participation in the county survey and largest single-day
turnout on local cycling paths.
“I hope that our voices have been heard and that we are ultimately able to influence the final draft of this plan.”
He also acknowledged the behind-the-scenes work of Thompson, whom he credits with bringing to light
the issue and coordinating local participation.
“I really appreciate his efforts on our behalf on the steering committee. We would not have been engaged
on this issue if he had not alerted the cycling community at the very beginning.”
Corbett said that his firm expects to complete its studies by the end of June and will then present its 20-
year plan to Kern COG.
County collects IWV input for Kern cycling plan
By REBECCA NEIPP,
News Review Staff Writer
News Review Staff Writer
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