A meeting of the Sunnyvale Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) was held on February 19, 2004 in the West Conference Room, City Hall, 456 West Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale. Committee Chair Mayer called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
I. General Business/Public Hearings
Mayer requested that General Business Items 1, 2 and 3 be first on the agenda, and that General Business Item 8 be before General Business Item 4 on the agenda.
1. Discussion with Mayor Howe on General BPAC Issues
Mayor Howe is visiting all of the Boards and Commissions during his term as Mayor to answer questions.
Jackson discussed the BPAC’s focus on encouraging non-motorized transportation, expressing the need for a coordinated bicycle route network. He expressed concern over the Wolfe Road bike route project; he was disappointed that staff recommended a shared-use bike route rather than a bike lane for this road section due to neighborhood concerns over the loss of on-street parking associated with a bike lane. Jackson had requested that staff discuss off-street parking alternatives in the Report to Council, but this was not discussed in the staff report. Jackson requested that Mayor Howe request this information from staff. Mayor Howe requested that staff investigate the cost and time required to survey off-street parking availability for both sides of Wolfe Road between Old San Francisco Road and El Camino Real, and report back to the Mayor with this estimate.
Mayor Howe also mentioned the Sunnyvale Neighbors of Arbor, Including LaLinda (SNAIL) Neighborhood Association. At a recent meeting, SNAIL members expressed concern over the Borregas Avenue Bridges project to the Mayor. Mayor Howe requested that the BPAC contact SNAIL to discuss their concerns.
Cotton requested that the Council keep the Borregas Avenue Bridges and Bernardo Avenue Under-Crossing projects as a priority. Mayor Howe responded by discussing the serious funding issues at the VTA and in Sunnyvale. The VTA may go bankrupt by the end of this year; if this occurs, all of the priorities will be reshuffled, and funding may be cut for these projects. Additionally, Mayor Howe predicts more cuts within the City budget due to income remaining low and the deep cuts that were made last year. Mayor Howe mentioned that many budget meetings will occur in the next several months, and the budget needs to be balanced by July 1.
Granvold asked whether the Council will still be receptive to education campaigns to improve safety for both cyclists and motorists. Mayor Howe mentioned the difficulties in educating the public; Granvold suggested working through the schools and driver education programs, as well as public relations campaigns. Mayor Howe expressed his own concerns over cycling safety and poor driving habits by motorists. He mentioned the steps taken to provide on-site bicycle facilities for new development, but how often the route to the facilities may be dangerous for bicycles and pedestrians.
Gras estimated that he has cycled 50,000 miles in Sunnyvale with only one accident due to poor conditions. Gras brought up traffic safety and community meetings for neighborhood traffic concerns as being an interest of many neighborhoods. Mayor Howe agreed that he has heard similar sentiments from the public, mentioning that the City needs to do more to meet its goal of providing a walkable environment in the Land Use and Transportation Element of the General Plan. He mentioned that this task is more difficult with the loss of traffic enforcement from budget cuts, but also that enforcement is only a temporary solution.
Wolnik requested that the Council make policy and budget decisions that are representative of the City’s bicycle community. Mayor Howe responded that a lot of money has been used for sidewalk construction. He also recommended that the sidewalk on Maude Avenue be completed where there is a small gap.
Mayer asked Mayor Howe how the BPAC can best serve the Council and the community. Mayor Howe responded that the Committee should focus more on pedestrian issues. In addition, the Committee should focus on fewer study issues that are very concrete and direct. Mayer asked for clarification on what types of pedestrian issues should be addressed. Mayor Howe responded that sidewalk improvements, especially along Downtown Murphy Avenue, should be a focus, as well as public education on pedestrian right-of-way at all intersections.
Fred Wiesinger, a member of the public, asked how the Council is assisting Acting City Manager Amy Chan. Mayor Howe responded that Amy Chan has the full support of the Council, and that they will take the time necessary for the hiring process for the new City Manager. The Mayor will appoint an ad hoc committee for the hiring process.
Wiesinger also mentioned concern over staff’s handling of pedestrian issues at the Caltrain station parking structure, finding it difficult to obtain proper responses from senior staff. Mayor Howe suggested that BPAC ask the Planning Commission to request BPAC involvement in the project review process. Wiesinger clarified his concern over staff responsiveness, and Mayor Howe responded that staff priorities are set by the Council.
2. Public Safety Neighborhood Resource Officer Traffic Safety Education Program
Public Safety Officer Dave Falleta presented the Neighborhood Resource Officer program for schools, and provided a handout on Bicycle Safety Programs and a traffic accident report for accidents involving bicycles during 2003 and early 2004. The accident report demonstrates that most accidents occur during rush hour and are not occurring primarily around the schools. Through the Bicycle Safety Programs, the City teaches children about the basic traffic laws and safety. When children are cited for a traffic law violation, they can either pay the ticket or attend a Bicycle Safety Class. The program is focused on being proactive.
Mayer asked for clarification on some of the codes used in the accident report.
Granvold found the report to be useful, especially for when the Committee may need data to provide support for various projects. He requested that the Committee be provided with this report each year.
Cotton asked for clarification on what types of bicycle/motorist interactions call for Public Safety involvement. Public Safety encouraged calling them with license plate numbers when a violation has occurred (damage or injury).
Mayer asked if the educational materials in the Neighborhood Resource Officer program discuss the various accident categories. Falleta responded that the program focuses on the first grade, so that type of detail is not appropriate. However, the bike rodeo is a way to access older children, as well as sending flyers home with students two or three times per year.
Jackson suggested that educational materials for motorists discussing bicycle safety issues be sent home with school children for parent education. He also suggested that driver education classes include training in bicycle safety. Falleta responded that he does attend driver education classes when invited.
Jackson expressed concern over enforcement of motorist violations that are in place for bicycle safety, especially when vehicles pass cyclists dangerously. Stivers responded that a clear violation has to occur before a Public Safety Officer can pull over a motorist.
Gras asked for details on how the Neighborhood Resource Officer program teaches children about various bicycle safety topics.
3. Discussion with Public Safety Regarding a Possible Targeted Increased Enforcement Campaign
Stivers provided information on the traffic unit within the Department of Public Safety. The unit has been reduced in size to three officers and one supervisor. The unit provides education to officers to increase awareness of certain types of violations. Stivers also pointed out that in the accident report provided by Falleta, there is not a high percentage of accidents involving right-turn violations. Stivers asked BPAC members what they are requesting of the traffic unit.
Mayer requested that the traffic unit perform sting operations. Stivers responded that the unit’s limited resources make it difficult to be proactive. Most of their resources are devoted to complaints dealing with speeding in neighborhoods and red light running. Mayer asked whether the unit would utilize volunteers, and Stivers responded that they cannot use volunteers for a sting operation because it would expose the volunteers to risk.
Mayer mentioned a recent conversation with a school crossing guard at Ahwahnee and Fair Oaks Avenues, who stated that he often has to hurry out of the way of traffic. Stivers responded that he will bring this up to his unit and that this type of information is helpful.
Jackson informed Stivers of problems with street parking, where motorists do not allow adequate room for bicycles. Specifically, this occurs along Southbound Mary Avenue between Washington Avenue and El Camino Real during the PM Peak travel times.
Mayer asked Stivers how the BPAC can best work with Public Safety. Stivers suggested that members be guest speakers at educational programs, and that his unit commit to have a representative at BPAC meetings regularly. Staff will provide Public Safety with Bicycling Street Smarts Guides when they are obtained. Mayer suggested that BPAC work with Public Safety on Bike to Work Day, pedestrian/bicycle awareness when school begins in the fall, and the Bike Rodeo. Mayer also asked about the ride-along program.
Jackson suggested that the City develop a public service video for KSUN with a Public Safety Officer narration.
Mayer will work with Stivers on coordinating Public Safety representation at BPAC meetings. Mayer also requested quarterly reporting of bicycle accidents, including who caused the accident (cyclist or motorist).
II. Approval of Meeting Minutes from January 15, 2004
Jackson and Mayer requested a number of corrections to the minutes:
Jackson requested that details on the corrections to the minutes be provided in the minutes. Jackson requested that the first item on page 4 of the January minutes specify that he requested that a letter be sent to County Roads with a clear and unambiguous message asking for a timely response. He also asked for a copy of this letter. Jackson requested that the second item on page four of the minutes be clarified, as the Wolfe Road project does not include a bike lane. Jackson noted that the discussion of BPAC member term completion on page 5 did not include Granvold.
Mayer requested that his discussion of sidewalk widths in paragraph 8 of page 2 of the January minutes specify the section of Fair Oaks Avenue between Highway 101 and Maude Avenue where the sidewalk is immediately adjacent to the travel lane.
Motion to approve minutes with corrections, with the exception of page 1 (page 1 was missing from BPAC packet)
Mayer/Granvold, Unanimous
III. Public Announcements
None
IV. Citizens to be Heard
None
V. General Business/Public Hearings (Continued)
8. Bike Lane Warning Signs for Paving Projects
Higgins discussed the recent paving project on Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road, and complaints that were received by staff regarding the signage for the bike lane obstructions. She asked for BPAC input into appropriate construction zone warnings for roadway repaving situations.
Ng provided additional background on the issue: the project was drawn out due to winter conditions; utility obstructions were in place, creating a hazard for cyclists.
Wiesinger stated that only one side of the roadway had obstructions. He had complained to staff about the "bike lane closed" signs where it wasn’t necessary on one side of the road. In addition, he had complained to staff about the lack of appropriate warning signs according to the Standard Operating Procedures.
Jackson stated that the difference between "bike lane closed" and "bike lane ends" signs (referencing the staff report) is not of concern. Rather, the contractor should have placed warning signs of the lane closure and signs reminding vehicles to share the road with bicycles.
Mayer stated that all of the signs required in the SOP need to be in place and should be transported by the contractors as a set.
Wiesinger pointed out the first line in the 5th paragraph of the staff report that states that staff believes that the signs were appropriate. This led him to the conclusion that staff is not following the SOP. Ng responded that staff was under the impression that all of the required warning signs were in place. Wiesinger suggested that the BPAC write a letter to the Director of Public Works requesting a meeting to discuss why the SOP was not followed in this instance.
Ng pointed out that Public Works crews do carry and install appropriate signage in other instances. Wiesinger responded that this is more a customer service issue than the issue of not following the SOP because his requests to staff on this issue were not met.
Mayer stated that in this situation, either the individual hazards should be clearly marked or the bike lane should be closed as per SOP requirements. He suggested that manholes be painted orange. Jackson suggested that all traffic be redirected to avoid the obstructions and cones be used to delineate the bike lane. Wolnik suggested that a sign be placed that warns cyclists of uneven surfaces. Jackson suggested that a sign be placed that directs motorists to change lanes to pass bikes. Mayer suggested the Public Works Inspectors receive additional training on the SOP. Jackson suggested that vehicles be required to change lanes when passing a bicyclist when the width of the outside lane has been reduced to 14 feet.
Mayer continued the item until next month’s meeting, requesting that Jack Witthaus attend. Witthaus should decide whether to invite the Director of Public Works to attend, as this issue involves staff from different Public Works divisions.
4. Right-turn Study
Higgins presented staff’s work on the right-turn study and requested input on possible signage for the intersections.
Jackson stated that it needs to be clear to motorists that they must yield to bicycles and then merge into the bike lane before making the turn. He felt that the sign example shown in the staff report is not adequate in sending this message. He pointed out several sign examples in the VTA Bicycle Technical Guidelines.
The Committee expressed the need for informing motorists of the requirement to yield to bicycles.
Mayer brought up the sign used already in Sunnyvale that directs motorists to yield to bikes in the right-turn lane.
5. Bike to Work Day Planning
Higgins asked Committee members if they had any new ideas for this year’s Bike to Work Day.
Cotton showed the Committee a bumper sticker that states: "I share the road with bicyclists," and suggested that the City distribute these at the energizer stations.
Granvold suggested a ride with a City Council member.
Cotton requested that some of the bags be prepacked for the energizer stations. She also noted difficulties faced last year with non-bikers asking for food.
The Committee discussed donation solicitation for the energizer stations: Mayer will ask Walt’s Cycle for a coupon or discount; Wolnik will ask Hobie’s for coffee cake; Granvold will ask Noah’s Bagels for bagels; Granvold will ask the Safeway at Wolfe and Old San Francisco for fruit and water; Mayer will ask the Safeway at El Camino Real near Wolfe for fruit and water; Cotton will ask the Safeway at Hollenbeck and Homestead for fruit and water.
Cotton suggested ordering the bike pins that were used in past years.
6. Utility Bill Insert Concepts
Higgins provided background on the utility bill insert, and requested that the Committee decide on what issue(s) to cover in the May/June insert space that is reserved.
The Committee supported a format that addresses both motorist and the cyclist/pedestrian. The Committee also supported a topic that focuses on pedestrians in order to address Mayor Howe’s request earlier in the meeting. The Committee also supported bilingual text and the inclusion of graphics.
The Committee decided to address the following issues for pedestrian awareness: be aware, be seen, use caution at intersections and driveways, obey traffic signals, how to use pedestrian indication signals, and wait until the intersection is clear before stepping into a crosswalk. For addressing motorists, the Committee recommended the following: look for pedestrians in crosswalk before making a turn, pedestrians have the right of way, what is a safe clearance distance, passing cars that are waiting for pedestrians at a crosswalk.
Mayer recommended that information be provided on school crossing guards, informing motorists that they are required to obey the crossing guards, and requesting that parents teach their children to obey the crossing guards. Granvold suggested information on school bus regulations as well.
The Committee recommended that one side of the insert include safety information for pedestrians and motorists at intersections, including graphics and integrated bilingual text, and that the other side of the insert include information on school crossing guards and school buses.
7. Health and Safety Fair – Bike Rodeo Volunteers
Higgins requested volunteers for the upcoming Bike Rodeo this May. The Committee decided to volunteer in two-hour shifts. Granvold, Gregory and Mayer each volunteered for a shift. Jackson will look into his availability and get back to staff. Other Committee members will look for more volunteer help and direct them to staff if interested. Mayer requested that the event organizers ensure adequate staffing to accommodate line management.
VI. Non-Agenda Items and Comments
Jackson requested two-sided copies of the BPAC packet next month.
Jackson requested that BPAC determine the extent of SNAIL’s concerns over the Borregas Avenue Bridges project. Higgins will review the project file to look for notation on the residents’ concerns. The Committee will discuss ways to address these concerns at next month’s meeting.
Jackson requested a Joint Study Session with the Planning Commission to discuss education and reasonable solutions for construction zones. Granvold requested that this discussion include sidewalks.
Jackson requested that construction zone complaints be organized in a way that one can access the history of complaints and resolutions.
Granvold asked about the status of striping on California Avenue at Mathilda Avenue and Maude Avenue at Mary Avenue. Ng responded that the Maude at Mary resurfacing project is not yet complete, and that the City had been making requests to the County that they install the striping at California at Mathilda because they had resurfaced that intersection by mistake. Because the County is not responding, City crews will install the striping, most likely by the end of next week.
Gregory noted that the speed sign on Hollenbeck is now operational.
Mayer requested that staff email BPAC each time an item will be before the Council that has gone through BPAC, even consent calendar items.
Mayer discussed the email in the packet regarding debris bins, and clarified the requirement that the debris bins remain outside of the 10’ vision triangle with no exceptions. Higgins will discuss this with staff from Solid Waste.
Mayer thanked staff again for the Sunnyvale Avenue bike lanes, which have recently been painted.
Higgins pointed out Information Only Item #9, and requested that members spread the word about Board and Commission seats available.
VII. City Manager Communication
Mayer expressed congratulations for Amy Chan and wanted to know how the Committee can help.
VIII. Information Only Items
Approved December 18, 2003 Minutes - Accepted as Submitted
Jackson corrected item #O-7(1) in the Active Items Report; the signs have not yet been removed. He again requested that staff communicate with County Roads to instruct them to remove the signs.
Jackson and Mayer clarified their request in item #O-7(2) in the Active Items Report; they would like staff to provide BPAC with a copy of the deficiency plan when it is complete.
Jackson commented on the VTA Tier I Project Update. He was hoping for more detail on the timeframe. He requested that staff pressure Caltrans to keep moving on the Borregas Avenue Bridges project. He also reminded staff that the Bernardo Caltrain Under-crossing project will be reviewed this year and will need to demonstrate progress.
BPAC Active Items Report - Accepted with changes
BPAC Email - Accepted as Submitted
BPAC Calendar - Accepted as Submitted
IX. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn, Gregory/Wolnik, unanimous (Gras absent). Meeting adjourned, 11:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
________________
Tanya Higgins
Casual Professional