Public commenter urges removal of bollards and more bike parking at Santa Maria parks

Jeffrey Wheeler, a resident who bikes around Santa Maria, told the Recreation and Parks Commission that bollards on multi‑use paths are creating hazards and asked the city to expand bike parking and consult bicycle‑facility experts on new projects. "Bollards ... they're hazardous to bicyclists," Wheeler said, and he described his son’s crash at a golf‑cart crossing along the train‑track path.

Wheeler identified specific locations where he said facilities fall short: the path near Strawberry Fields, the Battles multi‑use path, the Bradley Channel path, Hagerman (near the Clean Air Express stop), Veterans Hall, Machado Plaza and the Abel Maldonado Center. He said some installed racks are difficult to use or placed where they impede pedestrians, and he asked the commission to reduce unnecessary bollards and add both short‑term racks and long‑term bike storage at key sites.

Wheeler also urged staff and the commission to include a bicycle‑facility expert in project previews and design reviews so new and renovated facilities are genuinely bike friendly. Commissioners thanked Wheeler for his suggestions; no formal action or referral was recorded in the meeting minutes.

Why it matters: Bicycle infrastructure affects safety and access for residents who commute, recreate and rely on non‑motorized travel. The commission and staff maintain parks and paths and can influence design or referrals to public works, but any physical changes such as removing bollards or installing long‑term storage will require project review and, where applicable, coordination with other city departments.

Next steps: Wheeler’s comments were entered during the meeting’s public comment period; commissioners and staff acknowledged the suggestions but did not vote on or refer a specific project during this session.