Bike Lanes Are Coming to California Street — Here’s What You Need to Know
🚧 What’s Changing?
If you drive, bike, or walk along California Street, you’ve probably already noticed the cones. Yep — construction just kicked off this month on a project to give the street a bit of a makeover.
The city is reworking the stretch between Shoreline and Franklin to add protected bike lanes on both sides of the street. At the same time, they’re reducing the number of driving lanes from four to two — just one in each direction — and keeping a center turn lane. Street parking stays put.
This isn’t totally new. A few years ago, the city tested a version of this using paint and plastic posts to see how it might work. That trial helped them collect feedback, study traffic patterns, and now — roll it out for real.
🛠️ What’s Happening Now?
Crews started work on April 1 and will keep going through the summer. They’re updating sidewalks, redoing the pavement, and adding those flashing lights at crosswalks to help people cross more safely.
It won’t be a full closure, but there will definitely be lane shifts and slowdowns during the day. If this is part of your regular route, it’s a good idea to leave a little earlier or plan a backup way around.
Most of the construction is in Mountain View, but a small stretch near Rengstorff crosses into Palo Alto. The two cities are coordinating that section together.
🚲 Why It’s Happening
This project is part of a bigger shift — one where Mountain View is trying to make its streets safer and more usable for everyone, not just drivers. City staff say the earlier test showed that traffic still moved fine with fewer lanes, and the added space made a big difference for people on bikes and on foot.
And honestly, it makes sense. Not every trip needs a car, and having a safer route to bike or walk could be a welcome change for folks who live nearby.
⏳ What to Expect
If you’re someone who uses California Street regularly, expect construction signs, shifting traffic patterns, and a bit of daytime noise. But once it’s all wrapped up, the goal is a calmer, safer, more balanced street — one that works better for the whole neighborhood.