The new bicycle lane in the Strathmore tunnel was a logical step for a campus looking to become more environmentally friendly and looking to educate the community about bicycle safety.
Last week, a green-painted bicycle lane was added on the eastbound side of Strathmore Place between Charles E. Young Drive and Westwood Plaza ““ a major entrance to campus, as well as the main artery for bicyclists riding from the North Village. The entire project ““ which also included taking out the small raised sections in the road ““ cost approximately $30,000 and was funded by UCLA Transportation. Although this board first questioned the need for the bike lane and the cost that it involved, the project has proved to be a sensible use of the Transportation Department’s money.
In the past, UCLA has implemented bike-friendly policies such as installing 3,100 new racks and creating maintenance stations. Going forward, it seems reasonable that UCLA would increase safety for bikers riding to campus. Funds for the project came from the Transportation budget, which is accumulated from the proceeds of UCLA parking. This money is set aside specifically for projects such as the bike lane and would not otherwise go to other UCLA departments, said David Karwaski, UCLA Transportation planning and policy manager.
Moreover, the cost of the construction is comparable to similar road projects, he said. For example, the cost of repainting a single crosswalk is around $4,000, he said. Some bikers, however, said they are skeptical of the need for a bike lane. They say that biking in the tunnel does not present significant safety issues, and that a separate bike lane is not necessary.
But the value of the bike lane is clear if it is seen as the first step in creating a system of lanes around the UCLA campus ““ a system that could ultimately prompt an increase in the number of students using sustainable methods of transportation.
UCLA Transportation has said that it is considering adding bike lanes on the Hill. But it could go a step further and consider adding lanes to roads around Westwood Village or the North Village.
Car rides from these areas that are under two miles can be avoided by developing bike lanes around UCLA, said Justin Resnick, an Urban Planning graduate student at UCLA and the chair of the Bicycle Coalition.
Cutting down on such car rides and instead using bikes can help to significantly lower carbon emissions, he said.
Moreover, some streets in Westwood, such as Glendon or Tiverton, already have ample space to add a bicycle lane without hindering automobile traffic, Resnick said.
These options should be seriously considered in the future as UCLA continues to develop the presence of bicycles on campus.