The city of Fullerton announced on December 2 a series of measures in response to a tragic accident involving a California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) student. While the efforts, including infrastructure improvements and partnerships for traffic signal synchronization, appear well-intentioned, they fall short of addressing the urgent need for enhanced bicycle safety.

City officials have opted to improve existing bike lanes with green paint and clearer markings instead of pursuing more effective solutions like protected Class IV bike lanes.

This decision reflects a reluctance to prioritize cyclist safety at a time when public demand for safer infrastructure is on the rise, particularly given the increasing number of cyclists and e-bike users in the area. The rejection of raised barrier-separated bike lanes due to budget constraints is particularly troubling. Additionally, plans to create a buffered Class II bike lane by narrowing an existing travel lane do not adequately address safety concerns. A one-foot buffer offers minimal protection against fast-moving vehicles and could exacerbate congestion and driver frustration, further endangering cyclists on the road.

While collaboration with CSUF on active transportation initiatives is notable, the focus on social media campaigns and policy development over meaningful infrastructure improvements raises concerns. Effective communication about bike and e-bike safety is critical, but it should not replace the necessity for substantial physical enhancements to ensure cyclist safety.

The timeline for implementing the proposed improvements—pushed back to early 2026—also raises questions about the city’s commitment to addressing these pressing safety issues. Cyclists cannot afford to wait over two years for measures that could significantly reduce their risk on the roads.

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