California plans Bike Highway Pilot Program!
Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) has introduced AB 954, a bill that will launch a pilot program for Caltrans to develop a bike highway system. These bike highways will be fully separated from cars, providing a safer environment for cyclists.
The bike highways are designed for people traveling longer distances—over 3 miles—by bike. The goal is to connect riders to major destinations, job centers, and transit hubs.
Bike highways are a smart solution for Californians. They help people save money on gas and reduce their carbon footprint. In June 2022, Caltrans released a study on bike highways in the Bay Area. It identified the best locations and practices for these routes.
With e-bike sales booming—2.4 million imported to the U.S. between 2020 and 2023—biking longer distances is now more realistic for everyday people. California is already a leader in promoting cycling. It ranks as the 4th most bike-friendly state in the country. The state is also launching an e-bike incentive program to make biking even more accessible.
“California can do better for its residents,” says Assemblymember Steve Bennett. He believes bike highways will create safer, stronger connections between neighborhoods and cities. “When you build safe infrastructure, people will use it,” he adds.
CalBike Policy Director Jared Sanchez agrees. He calls the Bicycle Highways Bill a critical move toward making biking a real option for more Californians. “Better infrastructure means more people biking, and more biking means less climate change,” Sanchez explains.
Kate Faulkner, representing the Channel Islands Bike Club, also backs the bill. With over 300 members, the club sees bike highways as a way to cut traffic, boost health, and provide safer travel options. “Many people—especially families, women, and seniors—would bike more if they felt safe,” Faulkner says.
Lawrence Abele of BikeVentura.org calls AB 954 a “transformative initiative.” He sees it as a chance to expand bike safety education in underserved communities. “This program is about investing in people and building a fairer, safer transportation system,” Abele adds.
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Assemblymember Bennett has long been a champion of active transportation. As chair of the Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, Climate Change, Natural Resources, and Energy, he’s committed to making California’s transportation system greener and more accessible. This bill is another step toward that goal.
Steve Bennett represents the 38th Assembly District. This includes Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, and Ventura. He continues to lead efforts to improve transportation and fight climate change.