Encinitas Council Votes to Sue State Over Bike Lanes
The city council plans to challenge state law limiting modifications to the Santa Fe Drive protected bike lane.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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The Encinitas City Council voted 4-1 to pursue legal action against the state regarding Senate Bill 114, which prohibits the removal or modification of the Santa Fe Drive bike lane for five years. City officials also approved a separate plan to replace protected cycle tracks with a multi-use promenade on Coast Highway 101.
Why it matters
The city aims to rework local roadways to remove back-in parking spots and adjust lane configurations, but the state law mandates the bike lane remain in place for safety. If the city violates these conditions, it must return $3.09 million in state grant funds.
The city must return $3.09 million in state grant funding if it removes the Santa Fe Drive bike lane within the five-year prohibition period. Between five and 15 years, the city may only remove the lane if it maintains or improves mobility for non-motorized users.
The players
Encinitas City Council
This local governing body holds the authority to pass municipal ordinances and manage city-wide infrastructure projects.
The details
In a closed-to-the-public meeting, the council moved forward with the lawsuit while simultaneously selecting a Coast Highway 101 design that features a signalized pedestrian button at the Harbaugh Seaside Trail crossing. The decision reflects an effort to reconfigure local traffic flow despite the constraints imposed by state legislation.
Timeline
Encinitas obtained the state grant money for the project in 2023.
A City Council election shifted the council majority in November 2024.
The Governor signed Senate Bill 114 into law in September 2026.
The City Council voted on the lawsuit and highway project on October 21, 2026.
Political Context
The city's challenge to Senate Bill 114 highlights a growing tension between local municipal autonomy and state-level infrastructure mandates. Opposition groups argue that such legal battles waste taxpayer resources and delay essential safety improvements intended by state lawmakers.
Residents may see significant changes to local traffic flow and parking availability if the city's proposed highway redesign moves forward. The outcome of the lawsuit could dictate whether the city is forced to forfeit millions in grant funds, potentially impacting future municipal infrastructure projects.
The takeaway
Local governments frequently struggle to balance state-mandated safety requirements with specific urban design preferences for their roadways. Residents should monitor future council hearings to understand how these legal and design decisions might affect their daily commute.
Further reading
Learn more about local governing actions in the Legislative Policy section.
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Should local cities have the final say on street design instead of state agencies?
