Opposition to DecoBike’s expansion topped La Jolla Shores Association’s January agenda.
Chair Nick LeBeouf noted the continued concern LJSA shares with other civic groups opposing DecoBike’s proposed expansion north from PB into La Jolla. Board member David Gordon noted DecoBike stations “take up lots of parking,” while colleague Izzy Tihanyi pointed out bike share proceeds “don’t stay in La Jolla Shores.”
Tihanyi added DecoBike has hurt small businesses through renting bikes in other communities. Mary Munk concurred noting the DecoBike stations are “very unattractive.” She noted they also allow commercial advertising which LJSA has opposed for years.
LJSA board member Terry Kraszewski added that “having people drive their cars here, then rent a bike from DecoBike,” when there are local existing rental shops “just doesn’t make sense at all.”
Janie Emerson from the audience said DecoBike users are not required to wear helmets which she noted “violates state law. What happens when someone takes a header on one of these bikes and sues the city?”
“This is not a good option,” Emerson concluded.
LeBeouf moved, and the group unanimously accepted, his proposal to send a letter on the advisory group’s behalf opposing DecoBike’s further expansion into La Jolla.
In other action:
• LJSA board member Karen Marshal gave a presentation on flight pattern changes alleging the FAA has new routes over La Jolla Shores which is increasing overhead noise. Audience members from other La Jolla neighborhoods, like Bird Rock, testified they are hearing commercial airline noise “like never before.”
• Steve Lindsey from the city gave an updated timeline and progress report for ongoing problematic construction activity on Avenida De La Playa in the Shores commercial district. He said the goal is to finish upgrades to the Avenida storm drain project “in one winter cycle.” “This thing will be done on time,” Lindsey added.”
“We don’t want both ends of the business district closed at the same time,” said Tihanyi.