Until 2024, Napa County lacked protected bikeways, despite long-standing advocacy from the Napa County Bicycle Coalition (NCBC). Maintenance issues had stalled progress, and local officials recognized the need for increased bike safety. However, the $200,000 cost for a specialized street sweeper posed a significant barrier.
The situation changed in January when Caltrans resurfaced West Imola Avenue (SR 121), a vital east-west corridor in Napa. The project introduced new flex post barriers alongside existing painted bike lanes. While this enhancement marked a victory for bike safety, maintaining the cleanliness of these lanes became crucial. Debris such as glass, gravel, and dirt in bike lanes can endanger cyclists by forcing them into traffic and raising collision risks. Traditional street sweepers, unable to fit into protected bikeways, threatened to undermine the effectiveness of these safety measures.
In response to this challenge, the Napa County Bicycle Coalition proposed to adopt and maintain the newly protected bikeways on West Imola. Caltrans agreed, adapting the Adopt-A-Highway program to accommodate this bike facility. Unable to afford a $200,000 motorized sweeper, NCBC opted for a cost-effective solution: an innovative street sweeper designed by California inventor Pierre Lermant.
The Eco Sweeper, a battery-powered device attached to the rear wheel of a bicycle via a Burley bike trailer-style hitch, efficiently cleans bike lanes. Priced at just $4,500, it offers a fraction of the cost of traditional sweepers.
To fund the purchase, NCBC launched a GoFundMe campaign on May 21, 2024. With generous contributions from 50 donors, including a notable donation from coalition member Bill Tuikka, the campaign reached its goal in just one day.
On June 17, 2024, the new sweeper made its debut, collecting nearly 36 gallons of debris in its first run.
NCBC Executive Director Kara Vernor praised Caltrans for its collaboration and flexibility, highlighting the importance of maintaining Napa’s first protected bike lanes on a high-injury network. This initiative not only ensures the continued safety of these lanes but also sets a precedent for other cities in urban planning and public safety.
Napa’s adoption of this innovative bikeway cleaning solution exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to creating safer, more bike-friendly environments, serving as a model for communities seeking to enhance cycling infrastructure and safety.
