ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 27, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Miscellaneous TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Zachary Meyer, Public Works Director
DATE: August 27, 2025
SUBJECT: Response to Grand Jury Findings and Recommendations regarding Bicycle Lanes.
[Document Description]
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council authorize the transmittal of the response to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.
BACKGROUND:
The 2024-2025 Kern County Grand Jury issued a report titled “The Proliferation of Bike Lanes.” The Grand Jury is a body of 19 citizens, independent of any political or special interest group. Gr and Jury members have an avid interest in preserving honest and proper conduct of all government agencies within Kern County. Grand Jurors also possess the desire to ensure that all monies within these areas of government are being handled prudently and i n the best interest of Kern County and Bakersfield City residents. The Grand Jury’s purpose is to serve and assist the people of Kern County.
The Grand Jury has two basic functions:
1. Civil Function: in this capacity, the Jury has the power and duty to exa mine the function and performance of public office and officers. They report their findings and can make recommendations for changes.
2. Criminal Function: In this capacity, the Jury has the power and duty to inquire into possible public offenses, misconduct in office by public officers, and to determine whether to return indictments charging the commission of felonies.
This report addresses concerns about bicycle lanes, particularly if the overall practice of the placement of bicycle lanes is conducted properly by the City of Bakersfield. The findings of the report highlight some of the pros and cons of bicycle lanes, as well as making recommendations for City staff to ensure proper due diligence prior to placing bicycle lanes on roadways. The Grand Jury Report and the response to the report are attached to this report.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact, in responding to the Grand Jury.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Innovative and Efficient City Government
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Grand Jury Report - The Proliferation of Bike Lanes
2. Grand Jury Responses 8-27-2025