BCHD Lies Again - NO ONGOING DISCUSSION WITH TORRANCE

BCHD was DENIED on December 12, 2022. ANY STATEMENT OF WORKING WITH TORRANCE SINCE THEN IS A FLAT OUT LIE APPARENTLY!

I have received this update and would like to clarify some of the information contained regarding the proposed BCHD Bike Path featured in the Daily Breeze Article.

The proposed bike path project was presented to the public in a staff report at the November 7, 2022, Torrance Traffic Commission meeting. This meeting included a staff presentation, followed by public comments. Following the Traffic Commission Meeting and with the concurrence of the city management team, Torrance Public Works decided to deny the proposed project application based on the significant opposition (68% opposed by email and 82% opposed by speaking). BCHD was formally informed of our decision and we shared this information with the public at the District 2 Community Meeting held on December 12, 2022.

Since the preparation of the South Bay Bicycle Master Plan in 2012, Torrance has added to its network of bike lanes and bike routes. Most notable is the addition of Class II bike lanes on 190th St (Hawthorne Blvd to Madrona Ave); Palos Verdes Blvd (PCH to south City boundary); and Anza Ave (Sepulveda Blvd to Calle Mayor). It is already possible for cyclists and pedestrians to bypass Prospect Ave in Redondo Beach, via the use of Diamond St (Redondo Beach) and Flagler Ln (Torrance). Combined, these two streets (located between Prospect Ave to the south and Beryl St to the north) provide a continuous sidewalk on the east side and a separate, but continuous paved surface throughout.

While the middle portion is narrow, it provides a 10-foot wide pavement surface for cyclists, separate from the sidewalk. It should be noted that the narrow middle portion has no vehicle traffic, as compared to Prospect Ave. Other additions are Class III bike routes in various areas of the City. Torrance continues these efforts when constructing various projects and can add to the network when it is available public right-of-way and funding to do so.

The City of Torrance has no intention to modify the “Flagler Alley” public right-of-way from its current condition. Therefore, there is no scope of work, nor related future cost estimate, by Torrance needed to modify this area. If there is future interest by Torrance to modify this area, the scope of work would determine the cost. However, it is highly unlikely we would propose a $3M project for a project like this. Furthermore, we would seek all available grant funding to pay for any improvement so as to not divert funding from the general fund.

At this time there is no pending, nor deferred, City decision for the proposed bike path project. I along with the city team consider the matter closed. However, if a new project is proposed in Torrance’s public right-of-way of Flagler Lane, the Public Works Department under the leadership of Craig Bilezerian, Public Works Director, will follow the same review process and conduct public outreach and meetings to ensure we meet or exceed our community’s expectations for transparency and information sharing.