Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2097, which prevents local governments from requiring parking in residential buildings near transit, after vetoing a similar bill last year. CalBike strongly supported AB 2097, which was part of our active transportation slate. 

The bill, authored by Assemblymember Laura Friedman, will help address California’s housing shortage by making it cheaper to build more units. Parking can cost $50,000 or more per space, adding to the cost of units and using space that could have housed humans to store cars instead. And people who bike will also benefit from this new law.

By eliminating required parking in new buildings near transit, this bill makes car ownership and storage less convenient and riding transit more convenient. That will lead to lower traffic counts near transit hubs and stations, making it safer to bike to transit. 

AB 2097 represents a step toward building human-centered communities where walking, biking, and public transit are viable and appealing options. It’s an essential part of the shift we need to address climate change and make our neighborhoods more livable. CalBike applauds the governor for signing AB 2097.

Learn more about AB 2097 and the other legislation that CalBike worked on in 2022 on our Legislative Watch page. To support our hard-hitting advocacy and our vision for a future full of bicycles, please make a gift today.