Good news! The 2025 Draft Circulation Element has been released. We're proud to say that there's a wide variety of proposed improvements to the Cycling Network in Rancho Santa Margarita.

The Circulation Element Update, Addendum to the City of Rancho Santa Margarita General Plan Final Environmental Impact Report for the Circulation Element, and Transportation Study Guidelines will be presented to the Planning Commission on April 2, 2025 and are anticipated to be presented to the City Council on May 14, 2025 for Adoption. - https://www.cityofrsm.org/681/Circulation-Element-Update

The Circulation Element document highlights the concept of Complete Streets,

Complete Street networks are designed to consider the full range of user
abilities and modes, with added consideration of land use and travel needs of
users and vehicles at the location. Complete Streets may include amenities,
such as sidewalks, bike lanes, transit lanes, frequent pedestrian crossings,
median islands, curb extensions, and other transportation facilities, as shown in
the graphic below. The City’s network should strive to provide safe and
convenient access to key destinations for all modes and users of all ages and
abilities in a manner that reduces inter-modal conflicts.

In order to accommodate and encourage bicycling, Figure CIR-5 shows the existing bicycle network, as well as proposed bicycle facilities which would provide improved connectivity within the City. Specifically, Figure CIR-5 shows potential new bikeway facilities to connect to trails in the County’s O’Neill Regional Park and along Arroyo Vista and Tijeras Creek to the extent this is feasible. These facilities could provide for north-south access through the City and for bicyclists. Additionally, the proposed bikeway facility on the Avenida de las Banderas bridge over the SR-241 freeway would provide for another west-east connection through the City. - https://www.cityofrsm.org/681/Circulation-Element-Update

We encourage our community to read the Draft 2025 Rancho Santa Margarita Circulation update and help to provide constructive feedback for our council members. We look forward to supporting the development of new bikeways and bikeway extensions in our community!