Policies

1. Policy H-3.1 Public Services, amenities, and safety

   We support the provision of adequate and fiscally sustainable public services, infrastructure, open space, non-motorized transportation routes, and public safety for neighborhoods in the unincorporated area.

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Goals

1. Goal TM-4 Complete Streets, Transit, and Active Transportation

   On- and off-street improvements that provide functional alternatives to private car usage and promote active transportation in mobility focus areas

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Policies

1. Policy TM-1.9 New transportation options

   We support the use of transportation network companies, autonomous vehicles, micro transit, and other emerging transportation options that reduce congestion, minimize land area needed for roadways, create more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly streets, reduce VMT, or reduce dependence on privately-owned vehicles.

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2. Policy TM-2.1 Context sensitive approach

   We maintain and periodically update required roadway cross sections that prioritize multi-modal systems inside mobility focus areas (based on community context), and vehicular capacity on roadways outside of mobility focus areas (based on regional context).

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3. Policy TM-2.2 Roadway improvements

   We require roadway improvements that reinforce the character of the area, such as curbs and gutters, sidewalks, landscaping, street lighting, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities. We require fewer improvements in rural areas and more improvements in urbanized areas, consistent with the Development Code. Additional standards may be required in municipal spheres of influence.

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4. Policy TM-3.3 First mile/last mile connectivity

   We support strategies that strengthen first/last mile connectivity to enhance the viability and expand the utility of public transit in unincorporated areas and countywide.

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5. Policy TM-4.1 Complete streets network

   We maintain a network of complete streets within mobility focus areas that provide for the mobility of all users of all ages and all abilities, while reflecting the local context.

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6. Policy TM-4.2 Complete streets improvements

   We evaluate the feasibility of installing elements of complete street improvements when planning roadway improvements in mobility focus areas, and we require new development to contribute to complete street improvements in mobility focus areas. In evaluating complete street improvements, we prioritize those in mobility focus areas that are within unincorporated environmental justice focus areas.

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7. Policy TM-4.3 Funding

   We partner with SBCTA, Caltrans, and local agencies to fund active transportation systems in the county. We encourage unincorporated communities to apply for funding and cooperate with them in their funding applications for active transportation improvements that are identified in a non-motorized transportation plan that is accepted or adopted by the County.

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8. Policy TM-4.7 Regional bicycle network

   We work with SBCTA and other local agencies to develop and maintain a regional backbone bicycle network.

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9. Policy TM-4.8 Local bicycle and pedestrian networks

   We support local bike and pedestrian facilities that serve unincorporated areas, connect to facilities in adjacent incorporated areas, and connect to regional trails. We prioritize bicycle and pedestrian network improvements that provide safe and continuous pedestrian and bicycle access to mobility focus areas, schools, parks, and major transit stops.

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10. Policy TM-4.9 Bike and pedestrian safety

    We promote pedestrian and bicyclist safety by providing separated pedestrian and bike crossings when we construct or improve bridges over highways, freeways, rail facilities, and flood control areas. We monitor pedestrian and bicycle traffic accidents and promote safety improvements in unincorporated high-accident areas.

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11. Policy TM-4.10 Shared parking

    We support the use of shared parking facilities that provide safe and convenient pedestrian connectivity between adjacent uses.

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12. Policy TM-4.11 Parking areas

    We require publicly accessible parking areas to ensure that pedestrians and bicyclists can safely access the site and onsite businesses from the public right-of-way.

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Related Materials

1. Policy Maps TM-3 Mobility Focus Areas (PDF | WEB)
2. Policy Maps TM-4 SBCTA Bicycle Plan (PDF | WEB)

Policies

1. Policy NR-3.9 Local parks, trails, and recreation

   We support the provision of local and community parks, trails, and recreational programs and facilities in unincorporated areas when a locally-approved funding and financing mechanism is established to pay for acquisition, construction, maintenance, and operations. We encourage unincorporated communities to apply for funding and cooperate with them in their funding applications for local trails that are identified in a non-motorized transportation plan that is accepted or adopted by the County. We also encourage, where feasible, local trails to be separated from vehicular traffic to improve the safety of trail users.

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2. Policy NR-3.12 Rights-of-way and easements

   We consider reserving portions of rights-of-way and easements found to be unnecessary for the ultimate buildout of roadways or flood control facilities for use as local pedestrian, bicycle, and/or equestrian trails.

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Goals

1. Goal HW-1 Health and Social Wellness

   Supportive public facilities and services that assist and guide individuals to achieve and sustain self-sufficiency, social stability, and excellent physical and behavioral health and wellness.

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Policies

1. Policy HW-3.1 Healthy environments

   We collaborate with other public agencies, not-for-profit organizations, community groups, and private developers to improve the physical and built environment in which people live. We do so by improving such things as walkability, bicycle infrastructure, transit facilities, universal design, safe routes to school, indoor and outdoor air quality, gardens, green space and open space, and access to parks and recreation amenities.

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2. Policy HW-3.9 Community-driven improvements

   We provide resources and information to assist unincorporated communities with the implementation of Community Action Guides.

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Policies

1. Policy HZ-3.9 Public improvements and services

   In directing discretionary investments in County provided public facilities, infrastructure, and services in unincorporated communities, we prioritize investments that also address environmental conditions identified in the Hazard Element tables.

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2. Policy HZ-3.12 Barriers to physical activity

   We prioritize identification of appropriate remedies to improve and remove, where feasible, barriers to outdoor physical activity, such as inadequate infrastructure, when doing County projects in environmental justice focus areas, with particular emphasis in addressing the types of health and mobility issues identified in the Hazard Element tables.

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3. Policy HZ-3.13 Safe routes to school

   We work with our regional transportation authority, school districts and local law enforcement to ensure that schools have safe walking and bicycling routes to school. In applying for Safe Routes to School grants, we will prioritize schools that are either located in the environmental justice focus areas, or serve children residing in environmental justice focus areas.

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4. Policy HZ-3.14 Community desired improvements

   We assist unincorporated environmental justice focus areas to identify ways in which they might establish special funding and financing mechanisms to provide community‐desired public facilities and services, recreational facilities, sidewalks and bike trails, and access to fresh and healthy food.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Reduce traffic congestion by improving transit services, roadways and recreational networks for pedestrians and bicyclists, and transit riders.

   Action Statement B.1

   Advocate for improved transportation options and reduced automobile traffic through Big Bear City on State Route 18 and State Route 38, which become congested with tourist traffic during peak holiday weekends and seasons. Solutions should be integrated with valley-wide and regional strategies and may include transit improvements, shuttle services, streetscape improvements (including pedestrian and bicycle facilities), marketing, or transportation access guides implemented in coordination with Mountain Transit, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, the City of Big Bear Lake, the California Department of Transportation, the Big Bear Valley Tourism Business Improvement District, and/or other relevant organizations.

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   Action Statement B.2

   IN PROCESS: Advocate for implementation of the Big Bear Valley Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Equestrian Master Plan in collaboration with partners such as the City of Big Bear Lake, County of San Bernardino Public Works, the Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation, and the Southern California Mountains Foundation and under the leadership of the Big Bear Valley Trails Coordinator.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT D - Enhance and expand connectivity to regional open space and recreational areas.

   Action Statement D.1

   Establish a non-vehicular mobility plan to advocate for additional bike paths and pedestrian paths that connect to existing and proposed regional trail networks.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Provide a unified downtown area that is active and thriving

   Action Statement A.1

   Provide additional public amenities such as restrooms, seating areas, open space areas, and lighted pedestrian paths, walkways, and crosswalks in the Lake Drive area.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT B - Develop and improve parks and recreational facilities and services for all ages

   Action Statement B.3

   IN PROCESS: Identify opportunities to incorporate bike trails within the communities.* *The Rim of the World Active Transportation Plan was adopted in March 2018.

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3. FOCUS STATEMENT E - Improve public safety

   Action Statement E.5

   Identify infrastructure improvements that would increase and improve access within and between the communities.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Develop and improve existing amenities and programming to promote community revitalization.

   Action Statement C.3

   Advocate for creation of multi-use trail(s), bike lanes, and sidewalk improvements.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Become a model gateway community to Joshua Tree National Park

   Action Statement C.5

   Partner with SBCTA and Caltrans to advocate and seek funding for pedestrian and parking enhancements to provide a safer environment for residents and visitors on Twentynine Palms Highway (SR 62), in particular, through downtown Joshua Tree.

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   Action Statement C.7

   Construct pedestrian refuge areas at key intersections to aid pedestrians crossing Twentynine Palms Highway.

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT E - Improve roads and other public infrastructure throughout the community while preserving the desert landscape and rural character

   Action Statement E.1

   Design a trail system for both bicycles and pedestrians, connecting the downtown with surrounding open space and communities.

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   Action Statement E.2

   Establish desert road development standards that downplay the need for urban street improvements such as street lighting, curb and gutter, and sidewalks except as needed for safety.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Improve public and equestrian safety within Muscoy

   Action Statement C.4

   Establish a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.

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   Action Statement C.5

   Identify existing and potential horse and pedestrian trails with a community-sponsored wayfinding program.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT A - Improve the overall safety of the community

   Action Statement A.1

   Coordinate with the County to design walkable routes to local schools, Helendale Community Park, and Silver Lakes’ parks to improve pedestrian safety.

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   Action Statement A.4

   Construct sidewalks along Helendale Road and Shadow Mountain Road.

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   Action Statement A.6

   Enhance the bridge across the Mojave River on Vista Road to meet minimum ADA criteria for pedestrian access.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT C - Improve mobility and reduce vehicle trips through the development of multi-purpose trails that connect key nodes/activity areas within and between the communities

   Action Statement C.3

   PLAN ADOPTED 2018: Coordinate with the Rim of the World Recreation & Park District to implement the Active Transportation Plan.

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1. FOCUS STATEMENT E - Create or provide a cost-effective approach to developing equestrian trails and trails for non-motorized vehicles.

   Action Statement E.2

   Protect and develop equestrian, walking, bicycle, and multi-use trails using dedicated easements (utility and drainage) or connecting to existing destinations (e.g. parks, trails, etc.).

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2. FOCUS STATEMENT G - Improve traffic flow and vehicular safety

   Action Statement G.2

   Investigate traffic safety at major intersections and in areas susceptible to vehicle/pedestrian conflict in conjunction with a Safe Routes to School Program.

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