Edhat Staff
Continuous Protected Bike and Pedestrian Path from UCSB to Santa Barbara, Plus Protections for More Mesa
On November 5, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors executed a contract with the La Cumbre Mutual Water Company (LCMWC) and the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County (Land Trust) to acquire right-of-way construction easements for Phase II of the Modoc Multi Use Path project.
The contract encompasses a suite of agreements that include:
- A 34-year lease for a well on County property with the LCMWC (which the LCMWC is currently using).
- Restrict development and property use on a County-owned parcel adjacent to the More Mesa Open Space. (APN 065-320-004 – see map here)
- Negotiate with the Land Trust concerning a possible future grant of a conservation easement on this parcel.
This agreement marks a step forward in constructing the project, protecting the Modoc Preserve, and preserving the row of historic Canary Palms.
Neighbors and the greater public have advocated for a safer and more accessible way to walk and bike between Goleta and Santa Barbara for years.
This 1-mile stretch of new path will start where the City of Santa Barbara’s path ends near Calle De Los Amigos and connect to the Obern Trail Bike Path across from Encore Drive.
“I am thrilled to announce that this crucial segment of this path will enhance connectivity across our region, linking UC Santa Barbara, the City of Goleta, and the City of Santa Barbara to schools, beaches, and neighborhoods along the coast. This project is of tremendous community interest, extensive community involvement, and an incredible and far reaching community benefit” stated Second District Supervisor Laura Capps. “While the agreement still needs to be signed off by the Board of Supervisors tomorrow, with $5.4 million secured from the State Active Transportation Program and strong community support, we’re poised to deliver a safe, ADAcompliant path that supports active transportation and addresses climate priorities. This project exemplifies our commitment to keeping our community moving forward safely and sustainably.”
“The Land Trust works to expand conservation for the benefit of current and future generations. With the Modoc Multi-Use Path, it was essential to us that we go beyond environmentally sensitive design and create a deal that is additive for open space in our community” said Meredith Hendricks, Executive Director of the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County. “Placing permanent protections between the two preserves while also allowing us to approve a path design that conforms to the existing conservation easement at the Modoc Preserve. We thank our partners or their hard work over several years to reach this agreement.”
Phase II of the Modoc Multi-Use Path is currently in the engineering phase and in the right of way coordination and utility coordination phase. Construction is on track to begin in late spring/early summer 2025.
Fantastic news; many thanks to those who negotiated!
Ray Ford on the news: https://www.noozhawk.com/ray-ford-last-section-of-modoc-multi-use-path-inches-closer-to-completion/
Now if bicyclists would only use it. My guess, based on the Las Positas and Modoc portions already completed, is that most will continue to use the street. “Multi-use” paths sound like a good idea, but in reality, dog walkers and stroller pushers are not compatible with cyclists. It sounds like it will be beautiful, but, like the rest of the path, unused by bikes.
My own take: when an off-road, two-lane bike path is put in, it should be restricted to only bicycles, and bicycles should be banned from the street. I’m not holding my breath.
How much will this cost?