SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Local and regional leaders gathered Sept. 17 to mark the groundbreaking of the Bob Jones Trail “City to the Sea” connection, a major step toward completing the long-planned bicycle and pedestrian route through San Luis Obispo County.
The project will connect existing trail segments along San Luis Obispo Creek, including a 2.5-mile section from Avila Beach to Highway 101 and a 1-mile section from Prado Road to Los Osos Valley Road in San Luis Obispo.
Once completed, the extension will create a more continuous route for bicyclists and pedestrians while supporting a future connection between San Luis Obispo and the Five Cities area. The trail is intended to provide a safe, accessible alternative for commuters, residents and visitors while improving connections to local businesses and recreational networks.
“Community support is what carried this project past the finish line. The completed “City to the Sea” vision will provide a more welcoming connection for residents and visitors, while enhancing how people experience, travel, and enjoy San Luis Obispo County,” said SLOCOG Executive Director Peter Rodgers.
Planning for the final segment began in 2010, following decades of community advocacy for completing the Bob Jones Trail.
The project is a partnership between SLOCOG, San Luis Obispo County Public Works, County Parks and Recreation, the California Transportation Commission, Caltrans District 5 and community advocates.
Funding includes $18 million from the California Transportation Commission, $16.8 million from SLOCOG and $5 million from the County of San Luis Obispo. A portion of the funding was awarded through the CTC’s Active Transportation Program, which supports projects that encourage walking and bicycling.
Construction is underway, with Phase 1 expected to be completed in 2028.