We are constructing two bikeways in the Mid-City area of the City of San Diego along State Route 15 (SR 15): the SR 15 Commuter Bikeway, which opened to the public in August 2017, and the Central Avenue Bikeway, which will begin construction in 2026. Together, the projects will create 2.2 miles of bikeways connecting Camino Del Rio South and Landis Street along SR 15.
The SR 15 Commuter Bikeway provides a safe and direct bike route connecting Kensington, Talmadge, Normal Heights, and City Heights with the major retail, commercial, educational, and entertainment destinations in Mission Valley. It extends from Adams Avenue along a one-mile segment of northbound SR 15 to Camino Del Rio South. Previously, the only bike routes between Mid-City and Mission Valley were Fairmount Avenue or Texas Street, which were inefficient, dangerous, and inconvenient.
The SR 15 Commuter Bikeway is 12 feet wide, lighted, paved, and striped to accommodate two-way travel. There are several wider sections for resting or passing, and a concrete barrier separates it from the freeway shoulder.
While the bikeway was designed primarily for people on bikes, walkers, runners, skaters, and people using non-motorized transportation may also use the facility. To maintain a safe environment for all users, bicycle riders are encouraged to keep their downhill speeds to a maximum of 15 miles per hour.
Riding to 2050, the San Diego Regional Bike Plan, established the SR 15 Commuter Bikeway as a high priority project. The SANDAG Board of Directors adopted the plan in May 2010 and subsequently incorporated it into the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy in October 2011. The City of San Diego Bicycle Master Plan and the Mid-City Communities Plan also include this project.
Project Status and Funding
We finalized environmental clearance on the SR 15 Commuter Bikeway in June 2012 and completed design in early 2015. Construction began in March 2016, and the bikeway opened in August 2017. The bikeway was built in conjunction with the SR 15 Mid-City Centerline Rapid Transit Stations, which were completed in early 2018.
The total cost of the bikeway was approximately $15.6 million. The environmental and design phases were funded by TransNet. Construction was funded by the Caltrans Active Transportation Program as well as federal and TransNet funds.
Visit our Bikeway and Walkway Projects page for project terminology definitions and to find links to information on other bikeway and walkway projects. For more information, check our News page for project updates, subscribe to our email list, or contact gobybike@sandag.org with any questions.