Santa Claus Lane Bikeway Opens 

Last week marked the completion and ribbon cutting of the Santa Claus Lane Bikeway at a ceremony with bicyclists, pedestrians, and local business owners. 

The new 0.6-mile, Class I bikeway and multipurpose path connects Santa Claus Lane to Carpinteria Avenue and is located on the beachside of Highway 101 between the freeway and the railroad tracks. Pedestrians and bicyclists can now walk and ride between the City of Carpinteria and Santa Claus Lane. 

“Connecting communities is one of the best ways we can ensure we are building infrastructure mindfully,” said State Senator Monique Limón. “I am proud that the state has invested $7.54 million of SB1 funding to make this project a reality, but that was made possible by the local match from Measure A.” SBCAG voted to use $3.33 million in Measure A funds for the Santa Claus Lane Bikeway, according to SBCAG Chair Jenelle Osborne. 

In addition to the bikeway, improvements were made to the intersection of Estero Street and Carpinteria Avenue with updates for the multipurpose path connections and crosswalks. On the Santa Claus Lane side, a new vehicular turnaround was built early to improve access to the bikeway and facilitate turning movements for traffic wanting to stay on Santa Claus Lane versus enter the freeway.

“This bikeway will unite Carpinteria with Santa Claus Lane like never before. This project has been in the County’s long-term plans since 1977, and now it’s finally here. This bikeway will improve access to the beach and local businesses, and also provide a better regional connection for people who want to commute to work or recreate,” said Board of Supervisors Chair and SBCAG Director Das Williams. 

The multipurpose path is a joint effort by the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, Caltrans, the County of Santa Barbara, and the City of Carpinteria. The bikeway is being built in coordination with the Highway 101: Padaro project. The public is encouraged to find more information and sign up for biweekly construction updates on the Highway 101 improvements at www.SBROADS.com, or by calling (805) 845-5112, or emailing info@SBROADS.com..