Another New Section Opened, San Diego Keeps on Rolling Along Bayshore Bikeway
Ever since the first leg of the Bayshore Bikeway in San Diego Bay, Calif. was built in 1976, this much-loved pathway has been an integral part of life in this city. Looping around San Diego Bay, this pathway has been the catalyst for the growth in walking and biking in this sunny, seaside community, serving residents and commuters as well as it does tourists and Sunday strollers.
That the Bayshore Bikeway is enormously important to the people of San Diego is evident in the fact that it keeps growing and improving every year.
Late last month, a new 1.8-mile segment of the Bayshore Bikeway was opened. Located entirely in the city of Chula Vista, this new section of the bikeway begins at H Street, runs along Bay Boulevard and an inactive railroad right-of-way, and ends at Palomar Street. The segment will allow users to explore the city's beautiful bay-front area. This is the first step to completing the bikeway on the east side of the San Diego Bay.
San Diego residents joined local leaders such as San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox, Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox, Santee Mayor Jack Dale, and San Diego Port Commissioner Scott Peters in a ribbon-cutting celebration in Chula Vista, March 24.
Last year, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) named Supervisor Cox one of 25 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champions, recognizing his remarkable contribution to the nation's rail-trail network.
RTC Western Region Office continues to be impressed by the development of the Bayshore Bikeway, as one of the state's premier rail-trails and a vital piece of the region's active transportation network.
"We are thrilled that the Bayshore Bikeway has rounded the south end of the Bay and is headed toward completion along the east side," says RTC's Western Regional Office Director Laura Cohen. "It is certainly one of the most scenic urban rail-trails in the country. Congratulations to Chula Vista, San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), and Supervisor Greg Cox, who has demonstrated unflagging dedication to the bikeway for many years."
When completed, the Bayshore Bikeway will extend 24 miles around San Diego Bay, passing scenic points and employment sites, providing opportunities for recreation, physical activity, and healthy transportation. To date, 14.3 miles have been constructed. SANDAG will begin work on the next 2.8-mile segment from National City to San Diego in late 2012 or early 2013.
