1. Bicycle Transportation Account - Recommend adoption of the Bicycle Transportation Plan and Filing of 03/04 grant funding applications.

The California Department of Transportation has released a call-for-projects for the 2004/2005 Bicycle Transportation Account grant program. This program provides State funding for city and county projects that improve safety and convenience for bicycle commuters. A total of $7.2 million will be available statewide for the program. The maximum amount an applicant can receive is $1.8 million. A local match of 10% of the total project cost is required. Eligible project categories include, but are not limited to, the following:

• New bikeways removing travel barriers to potential bicycle commuters.

• Secure bicycle parking at employment and transportation centers.

• Bicycle-carrying facilities on public transit vehicles.

• Traffic control devices that improve the safety and efficiency of bicycle travel.

• Elimination of hazardous conditions on existing bikeways.

• Planning.

• Improvement and maintenance of bikeways.

Staff recommends submittal of an application to construct Class II bicycle lanes on Evelyn Avenue from Sunnyvale Avenue to Reed Avenue. A total of 9,226 linear feet. The project is identified as a top priority in the 2000 Bicycle Capital Improvement Program.

In order to be eligible for funds the City must adopt a Bicycle Transportation Plan (BTP) pursuant to section 891.2 of the Streets and Highways code (Attachment 2). The updated 2004 Sunnyvale Bicycle Transportation Plan is included in Attachment 3. The BTP includes and is consistent with the 1993 Sunnyvale Bicycle Plan as well as the relevant sections of the Land Use and Transportation Element. It has also incorporated the 2000 Bicycle Capital Improvement Program. The updated BTP is consistent with current City Policy as well as county and regional bike plans, air quality and energy conservation plans. The Bicycle Transportation Plan is prepared solely for the purpose of compiling relevant information for BTA program eligibility. It is not to be considered a stand alone policy or planning reference and does not attempt to implement any new or changed policies or programs.

Staff asks that the BPAC recommend adoption of the 2004 Sunnyvale Bicycle Transportation Plan. In addition staff asks that the BPAC recommend authorization for filing of a 04/05 Bicycle Transportation Account application for the Evelyn Avenue Bike Lane project.

Alternatives

Staff Recommendation - Staff recommends Alternative 1.

2. Discussion of Bicycle Safety at Intersections

The committee has requested that this item be placed on the agenda to allow discussion regarding bicycle safety at intersections. Discussion will be focused around possible policy changes that could improve bicycle safety at intersections. Of key concern to members of the committee is collisions that occur from vehicles making a right turn while a bicyclists is proceeding straight through the intersection.

Policy changes recommended at this meeting will be put on the 2005 Study Issue list to be considered by council.

21201. (d) Every bicycle operated upon any highway during darkness shall be equipped (1) with a lamp emitting a white light which, while the bicycle is in motion, illuminates the highway in front of the bicyclist and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle; (2) with a red reflector on the rear which shall be visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle; (3) with a white or yellow reflector on each pedal visible from the front and rear of the bicycle from a distance of 200 feet; and (4) with a white or yellow reflector on each side forward of the center of the bicycle, and with a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center of the bicycle, except that bicycles which are equipped with reflectorized tires on the front and the rear need not be equipped with these side reflectors. Such reflectors and reflectorized tires shall be of a type meeting requirements established by the department. (e) A lamp or lamp combination, emitting a white light, attached to the operator and visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle, may be used in lieu of the lamp required by clause (1) of subdivision (d).

1. Approved September 18, 2003 Meeting Minutes

Attached (Attachment 4).

2. BPAC Active Items Report

Attached (Attachment 5).

3. BPAC Email - no BPAC email received

4. BPAC Calendar for 2003

Attached (Attachment 6).