KION - Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz - News Weather-Bike Lanes Ride into Salinas on Blanco

Bike Lanes Ride into Salinas on Blanco

Salinas, Calif- If you're a hard core cyclist or looking to save some money and get a little exercise, this could be good news for you. Monterey County is looking to install bike lanes on Blanco Road connecting Salinas safely to the Monterey peninsula.

Thousands of cars fly down Blanco Road on a daily basis, some going well over 60 miles an hour. A group of cycling enthusiast worried about safety have band together, and are pushing for bike lanes to be installed.

Phil Yenovkian rides his bike to work every day from Seaside, to Salinas. He says its a great way to start and finish his day, "It satisfies so many needs it keeps my weight way down, it saved my life, saves a ton of money, and it's just a great way to enjoy life," said Yenovkian.

However, Phil says riding on Blanco Road, which connects reservation road and Davis, can sometimes be scary, "It's a calculated risk, and there have been several accidents recently. Somebody was air lifted due to brain injuries after they were hit by a hit and run driver," said Yenovkian.

In the near future, Phil's commute could become a lot safer. The Transportation Agency for Monterey County has submitted a $200,000 dollar funding request for bike lanes, "We have recommended this project for transportation enhancement program funding and it's going to go to our board of directors for their approval at our December meeting," said Kaki Chen.

If the board ok's the proposal it's brought to the California Transportation Commission for approval. Funding could be secured as early as April.