TITLE
Recommendation to respectfully request City Council support for naming the bicycle and pedestrian path on the new Gerald Desmond Bridge after Mark Bixby;
Request City Manager communicate City Council's support to our local State legislative delegation, Caltrans District 7 and our State Legislation Committee; and
Request City Manager add this project to the Bicycle Master Plan as it is being updated.
DISCUSSION
Just two days before his untimely death, Mark Bixby led a delegation of bicycle enthusiasts requesting assurances from the Port that a bicycle and pedestrian path would be irrevocably included in the final project and budget for the new Gerald Desmond Bridge.
Just six months prior, the idea of having a bike and pedestrian path on the new bridge could be described at best as "a dream". However, Mark was tireless in his efforts to educate and inspire all parties involved to understand the importance of these facilities both to the Port with its focus on sustainability, and the City as it endeavors to become one of the most bike-friendly cities in the nation. Through his guidance, leader in the cycling community and volunteers worked in partnership with nearly 20 organizations, clubs and advocacy groups to raise awareness of the need for bicycle and pedestrian paths to create viable and safe routes to Terminal Island (Bikeable Communities). Mark's passion and vision inspired so many to advocate for what he liked to call the "Bridge to Everywhere". It is amazing to think that in six short months, a project of this size and scope, which had been in the works for years, could provide even greater benefits to our community, but the decision by the Port of Long Beach to include a bicycle and pedestrian path will benefit the entire community for generations to come.
By all accounts, this bridge will be iconic and award winning, gaining international attention and securing its place among Long Beach's most notable tourist landmarks. Upon completion, the new Gerald Desmond Bridge will showcase the City's commitment to multiple forms of mobility, its green port operations and impressive coastline. Not only will visitors enjoy the incredible and unique views the bridge will have to offer, but it will provide Port employees with a safe and bicycle-friendly route to work. It also sets the groundwork for a coastal link between Long Beach, Los Angeles and points beyond once the new Vincent Thomas Bridge is constructed. The Mark Bixby Bicycle and Pedestrian Path is a fitting tribute to Mark's many contributions to the City of Long Beach, not the least of which is the path itself.
DISCUSSION:
The process for naming this bicycle and pedestrian path is similar to that of bridges or highways. The California State Legislature adopts a "Concurrent Resolution (CR)," which can be introduced by either the Assembly (ACR) or by the Senate (SCR). The resolution will appear in the statutes of the year it was passed. Once done, Caltrans puts up signs, which are paid for by the sponsors or friends of the person it is being named after.
We understand there may be a moratorium on naming any state highway or bridge after a person. However, we believe that a bicycle or pedestrian path does not fall under those restrictions, enabling our local State representatives to move forward with a Concurrent Resolution on our behalf.
FISCAL IMPACT
As mentioned above, there is a cost associated with signage for the path, but we expect financial support from a broad community of friends and colleagues. In addition, the City could share the cost as part of its compliance standards for bike paths using bicycle grant funding.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert Garcia
Councilmember, First District
Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal
Councilmember, Second District
Gary DeLong
Councilmember, Third District