In California, the dual nature of state routes often means they serve as both highways and main streets, creating complex urban thoroughfares that blend high-speed travel with local accessibility. Beach Boulevard, also known as State Route 39 (SR-39), is a prime example of this phenomenon. Spanning nine cities and unincorporated areas in Orange County, this road is crucial for residents and visitors alike, linking key destinations and providing access to popular beach areas. Despite its importance, the design and safety of Beach Boulevard remain problematic, particularly for those who walk, bike, or use public transit.
The road’s design prioritizes automobile traffic over the safety and convenience of non-motorized users. Most notably, there is a significant lack of infrastructure for biking and walking. There are few designated bike lanes, and the sidewalks are often incomplete or missing. Additionally, pedestrian crossings are infrequent and often unsafe, leaving many individuals at risk as they navigate this busy corridor.
Over the past decade, Beach Boulevard has seen over 700 serious injuries and 78 fatalities among people walking or biking. This troubling statistic highlights the urgent need for improvements. However, Caltrans—the California Department of Transportation, which manages Beach Boulevard—has not sufficiently addressed these issues. Their response to the alarming safety data has been lackluster, failing to make substantial changes that could protect vulnerable road users.
Caltrans and the Complete Streets Mandate
Caltrans was initially established with a focus on promoting efficient vehicular travel. However, in 2015, its mission expanded to include providing a “safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system to enhance California’s economy and livability.” Despite this broader mandate, Caltrans continues to prioritize vehicle flow over the safety and accessibility needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users.
For example, the first block of Beach Boulevard, which connects to the Pacific Coast Highway, features pedestrian crossings that are spaced up to 2,419 feet apart. This distance is nearly half a mile, far exceeding the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) recommendation of a maximum of 200 feet. Such a long distance between crossings makes it perilous for pedestrians, especially in extreme heat or for individuals with mobility issues. The gap in pedestrian infrastructure not only jeopardizes safety but also discourages walking and transit use, further entrenching car dependency.
Local Plans and Caltrans’ Inaction
Numerous studies and plans, including the Beach Boulevard Corridor Study and the District 12 Active Transportation Plan, have long highlighted the critical gaps in pedestrian, bicycle, and transit infrastructure on Beach Boulevard. Despite these findings, a recent $46 million repaving effort by Caltrans has made only a cursory attempt to address these issues. The planned improvements are insufficient and largely ignore the needs of cyclists and transit users.
The project’s justification for minimal upgrades is that these will be “explored or incorporated on future projects,” a vague promise that fails to address the immediate and urgent needs of the community. While the repaving project includes some improvements to existing crosswalks, it mainly involves re-striping rather than creating new crossings or addressing gaps in sidewalks. Only $1.5 million—merely 3% of the project budget—is allocated to pedestrian infrastructure. Given the scale of the problem, this is an inadequate response.
A Call for Change
Caltrans’ approach to Beach Boulevard reflects a broader issue within the agency: a failure to fully embrace Complete Streets principles. Complete Streets design aims to create roadways that are safe and accessible for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders, not just motorists. For Beach Boulevard to become a safe and equitable corridor, Caltrans needs to fundamentally shift its priorities and ensure that future projects incorporate comprehensive pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
The time for change is now. There is a pressing need for better oversight and accountability from Caltrans to ensure that all road users’ safety and needs are addressed. The Complete Streets Bill, SB 960, currently in the legislative process, represents a critical opportunity to reinforce Caltrans’ responsibility to cater to all users of state routes. This bill must pass to safeguard the lives of those traveling Beach Boulevard and all other state routes serving as local streets.
Until such measures are implemented, Beach Boulevard will remain a troubling example of how transportation priorities can overlook the safety and accessibility of vulnerable road users. Advocates and community members must continue to push for meaningful reforms and hold Caltrans accountable for creating a transportation system that truly serves everyone. Only through sustained effort and advocacy can we hope to see Beach Boulevard transformed into a safe and welcoming corridor for all.
Jared Sanchez, policy director, CalBike
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