Historic Landmarks Commission approves new bike-rack designs for El Pueblo Viejo

The Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission on March 12 approved project design and final approval for two replacement bicycle-rack models to be used in the city's El Pueblo Viejo (EPV) historic district, endorsing the Huntco —Rambler— and Rambler wide designs and expressing a preference for a Malaga-green (B121) finish in EPV.

The vote, moved by Commissioner Jordan and seconded by Vice Chair Hooley, passed unanimously among commissioners present. Staff and the project team said the decision clears the way for a bulk replacement program to upgrade hundreds of aging hitching posts in the right of way.

Commission staff told the commission the project grew out of a 2024 citywide inventory that found more than 800 racks citywide and 583 in EPV, many in poor or failing condition and often offering insufficient support for modern bicycles, including large e-bikes and cargo bikes. Sam Fertner, mobility coordinator with the Sustainability and Resilience Department, told the commission the goal is to "provide additional, secure, convenient and accessible bicycle parking in our public right of way." He described two installation methods staff will use: flange-mounted racks where substrate allows and wet-set, below-grade concrete foundations for installations in brick sidewalks so masonry can be cut tight to the rack's posts.

The commission's approval authorized two rack designs (the Rambler and Rambler wide) and gave staff discretion on orientation (parallel, diagonal, or perpendicular to the curb) and on selecting the narrower or wider model depending on site constraints. Commissioners and staff emphasized that brick installations along State Street require below-grade concrete footings rather than surface bolting to maintain stability over time.

Public comment came from Barry Remus of Move Santa Barbara County, who said his advocacy group "support[s] what is proposed" and "do[] tend to favor the Rambler wide," arguing the wider rack better supports larger bicycles and improves security. Staff noted a recent vendor quote of about $329 per rack (before quantity discounts) and estimated that a citywide replacement program would be "well over half a million dollars." Staff also said in-house manufacture of the older hitching-post design costs roughly $350 each.

Commissioners discussed alternatives including larger corrals (in-street groupings of racks) and placing racks in parking garages; staff said corrals have a role but that State Street's current configuration and loading zones limit corral placement. Staff reported corrals have performed well in other locations but warned that moving to in-street corrals on the 0-blocks would reduce loading zones used by businesses.

The commission recorded a roll-call vote approving the project; the final motion included compatibility and minor-alteration findings tailored to EPV. The approval also recorded the commission's preference that EPV installations use Malaga-green (B121); staff will retain flexibility to use other approved finishes where appropriate outside EPV.

Staff said the city will pursue bulk procurement and has included anticipated installation costs in grant applications; larger procurements would seek quantity discounts. Next steps include procurement, scheduling of installations, and coordination with Public Works on installation contracts and staff oversight.