The decision temporarily ends a long-running dialogue between city executives, cyclists and pedestrians that produced five alternatives to the current configuration, which delineates right-of-way by separating cyclists and pedestrians using road striping and signs.
Renaming the path would cost about $2,100, excluding sign installation fees, said David Kriske, a senior planner for the city.
“I certainly appreciate all the discussion and, I got to tell you, I was one that was willing to have the discussion,” said Councilwoman Marsha Ramos, who opposed the rename. “But I am going back to my premise, which is incremental steps. The ‘Yield to Pedestrians’ [signs] are fine. I’ll save the $2,100 for now.”
Still, others believe the money would go far in compelling cyclists to change their attitudes on the pathway.
“Changing the name sounds kind of silly, but calling it Chandler Bikeway implies that its primary, main purpose is for bikes,” said Mayor Dave Golonski. “You could ride your bike on the pathway. You could push strollers on the pathway. You can roller-skate. But it is not exclusive to any particular use. I think changing it to indicate that makes sense.”
Sisters Jane and Sam Malone, who walk the path Thursday mornings, agree.
“I think it’s less a question of safety and more one of courtesy,” said Sam Malone, of Burbank.
Established in 2004, Chandler Bikeway consists of two four-foot bicycle lanes and a six-foot pedestrian lane.
A yellow dashed line separates bike lanes while a solid white stripe divides walkways.
Burbank and Los Angeles together control 41.1% of the property in their jurisdictions, with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority owning 58.9%, Kriske said.
