Burbank Approves Major Bike Lane Network to Connect Chandler Bikeway to Downtown

Burbank cyclists will soon have a safer, more connected route from the Chandler Bikeway to downtown thanks to a unanimous City Council vote Tuesday night approving a comprehensive bike lane network expansion.

The $2.8 million project will create protected bike lanes along key corridors, including San Fernando Boulevard from Chandler Boulevard to Alameda Avenue, and Olive Avenue from San Fernando to Third Street. The new infrastructure will finally provide the missing link many residents have requested for years.

“This has been our number one request from cyclists,” said Councilmember Konstantine Anthony during Tuesday’s meeting. “People love the Chandler Bikeway, but once you get off it, you’re kind of stuck. This network will change that completely.”

The Chandler Bikeway, which runs 3.3 miles from Griffith Park to the Burbank Town Center area, sees heavy use from both recreational cyclists and commuters. But riders have long complained about the dangerous gaps when trying to reach downtown businesses, City Hall, or the Metrolink station.

“I use the Chandler path almost daily for my commute to the studios, but I have to drive when I need to go downtown because the streets are just too sketchy,” said Maria Santos, a Magnolia Park resident who spoke during public comment. “These bike lanes will be a game-changer.”

The project includes several innovative features designed specifically for Burbank’s needs:

Protected Lanes and Smart Design

The San Fernando Boulevard portion will feature concrete barriers separating bike lanes from traffic, with designated crossing signals at major intersections including Alameda, Palm, and Magnolia. The city worked with transportation consultants to ensure the design accommodates the heavy truck traffic serving nearby film and TV studios.

“We had to get creative with the Warner Bros. area,” explained Public Works Director Ashley Mayer. “There’s significant commercial vehicle traffic there, so we’re using flexible bollards that can accommodate larger trucks when needed while still protecting cyclists.”

The Olive Avenue section will connect cyclists directly to the downtown core, with bike parking stations planned near City Hall, the Burbank Central Library, and the popular Porto’s Bakery location.

Timeline and Construction Impact

Construction is expected to begin in March 2024 and wrap up by September, strategically timed to minimize disruption to the busy fall television production season. The city will implement the work in phases to keep traffic flowing on these crucial north-south arteries.

“We’ve learned from other cities’ mistakes,” said Mayor Nick Schultz. “The construction will be disruptive, but we’re doing everything possible to minimize the impact on businesses and commuters.”

Local business owners have expressed cautious optimism about the project. Downtown Burbank Partners, the business improvement district, formally endorsed the plan after initially raising concerns about parking impacts.

“We did our homework on this,” said DBP Executive Director Trudi Sandmeier. “Cities with similar bike infrastructure have actually seen increased foot traffic and spending. Plus, many of our customers are already asking for better bike access.”

Funding and Regional Connections

The project secured funding through a combination of sources: $1.8 million from LA Metro’s Active Transportation Program, $600,000 in federal grants, and $400,000 from the city’s general fund. This represents one of the largest active transportation investments in Burbank’s history.

The network will also connect to existing and planned regional bike infrastructure. Cyclists will be able to reach the LA River bike path via the Chandler Bikeway, and future connections to Glendale’s growing bike network are already in preliminary planning stages.

“This isn’t just about Burbank,” noted Transportation Commissioner David Kim. “We’re becoming part of a regional system that will eventually connect people from Griffith Park all the way to Long Beach without getting in a car.”

Safety Improvements

The project includes significant safety enhancements beyond just the bike lanes. New LED lighting will illuminate the entire route, and the city is installing emergency call boxes every quarter-mile along the San Fernando Boulevard section.

Burbank Police Department will also launch an enhanced bike patrol program once construction is complete, with officers specifically trained in bike lane enforcement and cyclist safety.

“We’ve seen what happens in other cities when bike infrastructure isn’t properly protected,” said Police Chief Michael Albanese. “Education and enforcement have to go hand-in-hand with infrastructure.”

Community Response

The Burbank Cycling Club, which has advocated for improved bike infrastructure for over a decade, called the approval “a historic moment” for the city.

“We’ve gone from having basically no protected bike infrastructure to having one of the most comprehensive networks in the San Fernando Valley,” said club president Jennifer Walsh. “This will make cycling a real transportation option for thousands of residents.”

Not everyone is thrilled with the changes. Some residents worry about reduced car parking and potential traffic impacts, concerns the council acknowledged during deliberations.

“Change is always difficult,” said Councilmember Sharon Springer. “But we have to think about what kind of city we want to be in 20 years. This investment in active transportation is part of building a more sustainable, livable Burbank.”

The project also includes a comprehensive public education campaign launching this winter, with information sessions planned at the Buena Vista and Northwest libraries.

Once complete, Burbank will have over 15 miles of connected bike infrastructure, transforming how residents can move around their city. For many, it can’t come soon enough.

“I’m counting down the days,” said Santos. “Finally, I’ll be able to bike safely from my house in Magnolia Park all the way to grab lunch downtown. That’s going to change my whole routine.”

Construction updates and detour information will be available at burbank.gov/bikelanes starting in February 2024.