City Council Moves Green Bike Lane Proposal to Consent

The West Hollywood City Council weighed a proposal to paint the city’s Class II bike lanes green during its April 7 meeting, aiming to enhance cyclist safety and visibility. Introduced by Councilmember John M. Erickson and Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers, the measure would establish a policy to apply “Hollywood Green” (Pantone 349C) to existing lanes, beginning with segments on Santa Monica Boulevard, San Vicente Boulevard, and Fairfax Avenue. Discussed in the council chambers at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard, the item reflects the city’s push to bolster transportation safety.

The proposal instructs the Department of Public Works to start painting and work with the Communications Department to inform residents about the safety benefits. Class II lanes, defined by striping and signage, currently run along Santa Monica Boulevard from Doheny Drive to Kings Road, plus parts of San Vicente and Fairfax south of Santa Monica. Staff pegged the initial cost at $275,000, with biennial maintenance at $75,000, though funding wasn’t finalized. The item moved to the consent calendar, signaling likely approval at a future meeting.

Public input during the session leaned heavily in favor. Planning Commissioner Andrew Solomon endorsed the plan, arguing it could shift scooter riders from sidewalks to bike lanes. “It’s a jungle on them,” he said of current lanes, urging safer conditions without delaying other mobility projects. Jordan Beard cited crash data—220 bike injuries citywide since 2013, a third on Santa Monica’s unpainted stretch—calling the green paint a “no-brainer” for its low cost and visibility boost. He noted frequent obstructions by parked cars, making lanes a “conflict zone.”

Kelly Pilarski, tying the proposal to broader safety, supported it as “an exceptional opportunity” for cyclists and drivers alike. She shared a near-miss anecdote, reinforcing the need for awareness, which green lanes could aid. Rick Watts echoed this, backing the measure to keep cyclists and scooters off sidewalks. He recounted a delivery robot blocking his driveway, suggesting clearer lane markings could help manage such issues. Written comments from Kevin Burton and Helen Krieger also supported the plan, with Krieger advocating green backgrounds for Class III sharrow markings.

The initiative mirrors a national trend. Cities like Santa Monica and Chicago have adopted green lanes, reporting fewer cyclist-driver conflicts. A 2011 Federal Highway Administration study found the color improves lane positioning for cyclists and alerts drivers, enhancing perceived safety. West Hollywood’s staff tied the proposal to its Target Vision Zero Action Plan, which aims to eliminate transportation-related injuries.

Film industry feedback, however, raised concerns. Consulted by the city’s Film Office, groups like the MPAA noted green paint could hinder shoots by limiting location versatility and causing camera glare. They suggested restricting “Hollywood Green” to conflict zones—high-risk areas like intersections—over full-lane coverage. The council could adopt this option, though no decision was set.

Staff rated the project’s impact as moderate, manageable within current workplans across Public Works and Communications. The Community Safety Department will track accident data to gauge effectiveness, while the Film Office monitors production impacts. The proposal aligns with General Plan goals for safe circulation and a robust bike network.

Though discussion was brief, public support was clear. Moved to consent alongside other bike items—like a Beverly Boulevard study—the green lane policy balances immediate safety gains with West Hollywood’s filming identity. Its fate awaits final approval, but the push for safer cycling infrastructure remains front and center.