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La Verne to coordinate with SGV COG and Pomona on Arrow Highway protected bikeway despite safety concerns
Summary
The City Council directed staff to work with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and the City of Pomona to advance a Class 4 bidirectional protected bikeway on Arrow Highway into La Verne, approving coordination and cost-sharing arrangements. Council and residents raised safety and design concerns; repaving and a La Verne pavement cost-share (~$528,000) were discussed. Vote 5-0.
City staff presented a revised design to extend Pomona’s Class 4 protected bikeway into La Verne along Arrow Highway and the council voted to coordinate with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (COG) and the city of Pomona to advance design and cost-sharing.
Cody, the project presenter from public works, described the proposed cross-section: conversion of an existing outer (number 3) eastbound lane into a bidirectional two-way protected bike facility with a three-foot buffer and flexible delineators, a right-turn drop lane near White Avenue to organize traffic, and pavement rehabilitation. “Construction is expected to begin in 2027,” Cody said; staff estimated a La Verne pavement cost share of about $528,000 if the city participates in full-width pavement work tied to the project.
Supporters and critics spoke during public comment. Chantal Stever, a daily bicycle commuter and parent, said a fully protected two-way facility is safer for children and families and urged a fixed vertical barrier rather than flexible posts. Opponents, including resident Bruce Becker, warned that the bikeway would funnel large groups of cyclists into a single lane, creating safety hazards where the project currently terminates at White Avenue.
Staff said traffic and safety analyses showed acceptable levels of service under the proposed build scenario and that repaving the rough pavement in the corridor would be part of the scope. Several council members stressed that key design details will be refined in the 60–100 percent design phase and that partner agencies (Pomona and the COG) will lead much of the design and construction funded largely through grants.
Councilmember Lau moved and Councilmember Cashel Figueta seconded a motion to confirm the preferred terminus at White Avenue, direct staff to coordinate traffic-signal modifications and pavement rehabilitation as appropriate, and return with required agreements and cost-share information; the motion passed, 5-0.
