A Better 101 For All

Let’s design a South Coast 101 for living, not just driving

South Coast Highway 101 is more than a high-speed thoroughfare through Encinitas; it’s a front door to our coast, and a shared space for Encinitas residents every day. It’s how families get to the beach, how surfers access the waves, and how commuters travel to their jobs. It’s a space for cyclists and runners to train for competitions and for friends and neighbors to connect.

What if we could redesign the South Coast Highway 101 to reflect how the road is actually used, rather than forcing everyone, regardless of speed, age, or comfort, into awkward and congested spaces? We can bring clarity and predictability to all users on this precious strip of land by integrating:

  • A wide pedestrian path that welcomes walkers, runners, and families with strollers and kids.
  • Buffered Class II bike lanes in both the north- and south-bound directions to give confident sport and commuter cyclists the freedom and space they desire.
  • 2-way separated cycle track that provides an additional level of safety for riders of all ages and abilities.

Most importantly, we can transform the South Coast Highway 101 into what it truly is: a coastal corridor that prioritizes a community moving at a human scale, rather than a high-speed thoroughfare that puts cars over people.

A cross-section of the South Coast 101 in Encinitas, CA that represents a possible roadway configuration that would include a pedestrian path, a 2-way cycle track, and buffered Class II bike lanes in both north- and south-bound directions. 
This cross-section represents a possible redesign that would include a pedestrian path, a 2-way cycle track, and buffered Class II bike lanes in both north- and south-bound directions, making the South Coast Hwy 101 a better space for all users.

Encinitas Bike Walk Cycle Survey

Does this idea interest you? Do you want to see the South Coast 101 transformed into a space that prioritizes people over the level of service for cars?

Please provide your input on this anonymous survey on a separated pedestrian path and 2-way cycle track on the west side of the 101 south of Chesterfield to the Encinitas/Solana Beach border.

South Coast Highway 101 Survey