A NEW “BICYCLE BOULEVARD” will be constructed on Utica Avenue in Huntington Beach (Flickr/Nuno Ribeiro).

By Huw Pickering/Orange County Tribune

Gasoline prices going up got you down? A new way to getting around without petroleum or pollution is coming to Surf City.

The Huntington Beach City Council on Tuesday night voted 6 – 0, with Mayor Barbara Delgleize absent, to authorize the construction of a bicycle boulevard on Utica Avenue.

Construction will be carried out by PTM General Engineering Services, who entered into a contract with the city to do so.

The bicycle boulevard will cost $493,589 in total, with $84,438 of the funding for the task coming from Surf City’s own coffers, specifically the Citywide Mobility and Corridor Improvements Project.

A passage along Utica Avenue for sole use by bicycles and pedestrians is the central part of the construction, which will be demarcated with signage and roadway markings. The route will be separated from the main road by a block wall.

In addition, a new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Utica Avenue and Lake Street, and curb ramps will be put in place at this corner as well, for use by those with physical disabilities.

The next city council meeting will be held On Tuesday, Oct. 18.