Inyo County California

The Active Transportation Program (ATP) was created by California Senate Bill 99 in 2013 to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as walking and biking and to increase the safety and mobility of nonmotorized users.  The ATP program strives to ensure that disadvantaged communities fully share in the benefits of the program.  

In anticipation of the upcoming grant cycle, Inyo County Local Transportation Commission staff conducted pop up events during two community events in Tecopa in 2023 and 2024 to gauge interest by the community in pursuing grant funding for active transportation improvements.  Subsequent in person and online surveys revealed broad support by Tecopa residents for traffic calming, and pedestrian and bicyclist safety improvements.  Community workshops at the Tecopa Community Center were held in March and April 2024 to present project ideas, and gather input to further inform and refine the scope of the project.  During these workshops, the project's concept evolved from an inadequate class II bicycle lane concept between Downey Road terminating in downtown Tecopa, to a much safer and complete alternative connecting the three communities of Tecopa with robust pedestrian crossing and traffic calming elements.  

Cycle 7 of the ATP Program kicked off in April 2024 with applications due in June 2024.  

On Thursday, December 5th 2024, the California Transportation Commission approved the Active Transportation Program staff recommendations for the Connecting Tecopa, a Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Corridor, which will create a complete and safe 2.9-mile active transportation corridor between and through the rural communities of Tecopa and Tecopa Hot Springs.  This project will connect the communities of Tecopa,  extending from Downey Rd to Tecopa Heights and Tecopa Hot Springs with a separated shared-use path.  The project will construct bike lanes and sidewalks within the community cores, improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety with high-visibility raised crossings, traffic calming measures and refuge islands, and will realign a leg of the Triangle to improve visibility and safety for all roadway users.

This project will enable residents and visitors alike to safely access community destinations, including a community center, post office, library, place of worship, businesses, restaurants, parks, trailheads, campgrounds and RV parks. The Project improves safe access to the Tecopa Water Kiosk, located in Tecopa Heights. Overall, the Project represents significant community-designed investment in active transportation safety, equity, and access for the Tecopa community.

Project completion is anticipated in FY2028-2029.

The grant award is $7.8 million, with $2 million of local match funds.

Next steps: formal grant award agreement to go before the Inyo County Board of Supervisors at a date TBD.

If questions, please contact Inyo County Local Tranportation Commission Staff, Justine Kokx at jkokx@inyocounty.us