Councilmember Requested Item Report
DATE
October 6, 2026
TOPIC
STOP Proposed Lane Reductions and Protected Bicycle Lanes on First Street and Raitt Street, along with any others planned throughout the city until further review of the overall street masterplan.
COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTED ITEM TITLE
Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Direct Public Works to Immediately STOP Further Design, Planning, Approvals, Construction, and Implementation of ANY Vehicle Lane Reductions and Protected Bicycle Lanes Throughout the City, Specifically the Scope of Work Planned for Raitt Street and First Street.
DISCUSSION
Recent roadway projects throughout the city have raised significant concerns from residents regarding traffic congestion, access, and the continued removal or reduction of vehicle travel lanes to accommodate protected bicycle infrastructure. Now that similar work has been completed along Standard Avenue between Warner Avenue and First Street, and along McFadden Avenue between Bristol Street and Fairview Street, residents have had an opportunity to experience firsthand the impacts of these roadway changes. The concerns and frustrations expressed by residents regarding increased traffic delays, congestion, accidents, and reduced vehicle capacity should not be ignored, particularly when the protected bicycle lanes being installed appear to receive limited use by the public. It is time for the city to read the room and reconsider whether continuing to implement similar projects throughout Santa Ana reflects the priorities and everyday transportation needs of our residents.
Roadway changes of this magnitude, including those currently planned for First Street and Raitt Street, should not proceed without further public review and consideration by the full City Council. Any proposed lane reduction or construction of protected bicycle lanes on these streets should come before the City Council with an analysis of impacts to traffic, congestion, emergency and business access, and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as MEANINGFUL INPUT from residents, businesses, and other street users.
The City Council should also consider whether the broader policy of reducing vehicle travel lanes to construct protected bicycle lanes should ultimately be presented to Santa Ana voters, allowing residents to directly determine whether these types of roadway projects should continue throughout the City.
SUBMITTED BY
Mayor Pro Tem David Peñaloza
CITY ATTORNEY
Sonia R. Carvalho
CITY MANAGER
Alvaro Nuñez
CITY CLERK
Jennifer L. Hall
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