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Committee advances bill to create Caltrans pilot for "bike highways" in two metro areas
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Summary
AB 954 would authorize Caltrans to implement two pilot bike-highway corridors and direct a report to the Legislature on a potential statewide program; the Assembly Transportation Committee advanced the bill after supporters said bike highways boost safety, connectivity and climate goals.
AB 954, a measure to establish two Caltrans pilot programs for "bike highways" and to require a legislative report on a potential statewide bikeway program, was advanced by the California State Assembly Transportation Committee.
Assemblymember Bennett, the bill uthor, told the committee the measure would take "the first concrete steps" toward a statewide bike-highway program by establishing two pilot programs. Proponents recommended the pilots be sited where regional partners expect the best chance for early success. Jared Sanchez, policy director for the California Bicycle Coalition (CalBike), described bike highways as "high quality, uninterrupted, long distance bikeways that provide full separation from motor vehicles." Sanchez said bike highways serve as a protected backbone connecting major destinations and transit hubs.
Supporters pointed to international examples and prior Caltrans studies. The author cited Copenhagen, London and Bogota as cities that have implemented similar networks and referenced a 2022 Caltrans Bay Area Bike Highway Study that identified recommendations for six potential Bay Area corridors. Committee supporters argued that bike highways can expand travel choices, address last-mile transit gaps and support climate goals.
During committee discussion, some members expressed fiscal and equity concerns. Vice Chair Davies said she was concerned that redirecting funds could conflict with voter expectations under SB 1 and would reduce money for road maintenance and rural projects. Assemblymembers Lackey and Macedo said the focus on metropolitan areas presents an imbalance because rural constituents also rely on gas-tax-funded roadway projects. Assemblymember Harabedian asked to be added as a coauthor and argued pilots are appropriate to start where they will succeed.
The committee recorded a motion to pass the bill; the motion was made by Assemblymember Rogers and seconded by Assemblymember Carrillo. The measure passed the committee with a recorded tally described in the transcript as "7 yes and 3 no" and was left open for additional members to add their votes before re-referral to Appropriations.
AB 954 would create eligibility and pilot authority for Caltrans to develop bike-highway projects in two metropolitan areas and require a report to the Legislature with recommendations on establishing a statewide program.
