Letters: Did you know what Encinitas is doing?

Did you know …

That the City of Encinitas is one of the first cities to establish a rigorous bicycle education program, with low-cost, three-hour, hands-on classes offered twice monthly for all city residents?

That the City of Encinitas collaborates with local school districts to support bicycle education for students of all ages?

That the City of Encinitas collaborates with law enforcement to ensure children are riding e-bikes safely through a diversion program that allows deputies to require education before issuing citations when riders illegally and unsafely carry a second passenger or fail to properly buckle their helmets?

That the City of Encinitas declared a state of emergency following the tragic death of 15-year-old Brodee Champlain Kingman and allocated funds to improve cycling infrastructure, including additional bike lanes, painted bike buffers and new crossbikes that assist with left turns, helping cyclists ride more safely on city streets?

That the City of Encinitas has lowered speed limits on multiple streets to reduce the risk of collisions and lessen their severity when they do occur?

That the City of Encinitas sent postcards to every household to alert residents to these changes?

That the City of Encinitas will not issue citations to drivers for exceeding the new speed limits until January 2025, giving residents ample time to become aware of the changes?

That adapting to all of these changes is challenging for children, adults, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike? That is why the city’s mobility manager is offering Bike Friendly Driver classes, so we can all learn more about the changes and adapt more successfully.

That the City of Encinitas is one of the best places on Earth to live, with challenges like any other city, but with dedicated staff members and City Council representatives who work hard every day to maintain and improve aging infrastructure on a lean budget?

That the City of Encinitas is one of the most beautiful places on Earth to live because of its ocean, beaches, parks, tree canopy and extraordinary community? Of course, you knew that.

Judy Berlfein
Encinitas