December 18, 2003

SUBJECT: Authorize Filing of 2004/05 Bicycle Transportation Account Application for Evelyn Avenue Bicycle Lane Project and Adoption of Bicycle Transportation Plan

REPORT IN BRIEF

The Bicycle Transportation Account (BTA) is a source of State funds created for the purpose of improving safety and convenience for bicycle commuters.  Competitive grants are distributed to local agencies by the California Department of Transportation on an annual basis.  This year, $7.2 million is available statewide for projects.  Projects cannot exceed $ 1.8 million in total cost, and a 10% local match is required.  A resolution certifying the availability of the 10% local share must accompany grant applications. 

Staff and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee’s (BPAC) recommendation to the City Council consists of the adoption of a resolution, and authorization to submit one application for a candidate bicycle lane project. The Evelyn Avenue Bike Lane Project, from Sunnyvale Avenue to Reed Avenue is recommended for submittal. The estimated cost of the project would be $359,000. The appropriate design and public outreach would occur subsequent to award of funding. Should a grant be awarded, staff will return to Council with a request for a budget modification to provide 10% matching funds. 

In addition, staff and the BPAC recommend adoption of the Bicycle Transportation Plan (Attachment A). A Bicycle Transportation Plan containing elements specified in the Streets and Highways Code must be submitted and approved by Caltrans staff in order to be eligible for funding. The Sunnyvale Bicycle Transportation Plan (BTP) compiled by staff and recommended for adoption is prepared solely for the purpose of compiling relevant information for BTA program eligibility. It is a compilation of existing information and is not intended to be a new stand alone City policy or planning reference and does not attempt to implement any new or changed policies or programs. It 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 BTP is consistent with current City Policy as well as county and regional bike plans, air quality and energy conservation plans.

BACKGROUND

The Bicycle Transportation Account Program provides State funds for city and county projects that improve safety and convenience for bicycle commuters.  Competitive grants are distributed to local agencies by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on an annual basis. This year, $7.2 million is available statewide for projects.  Projects cannot exceed $ 1.8 million in total cost, and a 10% local match is required.  A resolution certifying the availability of the 10% local share must accompany grant applications along with adoption of a Bicycle Transportation Plan. In the past, this program was called the Bicycle Lane Account with available funds of $1,000,000 per year statewide. In previous funding cycles, the City has received BTA funding for the Connecting North and South Sunnyvale Bicycle Project.  

EXISTING POLICY

Land Use and Transportation Element C.3.5, Maximize the provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

DISCUSSION

The Bicycle Transportation Account program is consistent with the Legislature’s intent when it adopted the California Bicycle Transportation Act. Eligible project categories include, but are not limited to:

• New bikeways serving major transportation corridors
• New bike lanes removing travel barriers to potential 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, in accordance with the 1999 Bicycle Opportunities Study and the 2000 Bicycle Capital Improvement Program Study, has identified the Evelyn Avenue Bike Lane Project - from Sunnyvale Avenue to Reed Avenue ($359,000), as a competitive candidate for BTA grant funding

The project is identified as a top priority in the 2000 Bicycle Capital Improvement Program Study. According to the Bicycle Opportunities Study, the project will require the removal of one travel lane in each direction, and the inclusion of a two-way left turn lane. A 10% local match is required. Should a grant be awarded, staff will return to Council with a request for a budget modification to provide 10% matching funds.

In addition, staff and the BPAC recommend adoption of the Bicycle Transportation Plan (BTP). 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. It 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 BTP is consistent with current City Policy as well as county and regional bike plans, air quality and energy conservation plans.

A resolution certifying the availability of the 10% local share and adopting the Bicycle Transportation Plan must accompany grant applications. Attached is a draft resolution for the Council’s consideration (Attachment B) certifying the availability of 10% matching funds and adopting the Bicycle Transportation Plan.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee reviewed and accepted staff's recommendations for the Bicycle Transportation Account grant application and adoption of the Bicycle Transportation Plan with minor editorial changes. 

FISCAL IMPACT

The Bicycle Transportation Account is a program which provides cities with 90% of the incurred design and construction costs of bicycle capital projects.  A 10% local match is required.  Staff is recommending that an application be submitted for one project.  Should a grant be awarded, the cost to the City would be $35,900. Staff will return to Council with a request for a budget modification in the event that grant funds are awarded to the City.

PUBLIC CONTACT

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee considered this item at its November 20, 2003 meeting. This item was also posted with the Council Agenda.  Reports to Council are also available at the City Library and the City’s Web Site.

ALTERNATIVES

1.    Approve the attached resolution authorizing the Director of Public Works to submit a grant application for 2004/05 Bicycle Transportation Account Program funding, certifying that matching funds are available and adopting the Bicycle Transportation Plan.

2.    Modify the list of projects to be submitted for funding.

3.    Do not approve the attached resolution and forgo the opportunity to compete for Bicycle Transportation Account funding.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends Alternative 1.

Prepared by:

Dieckmann Cogill
Transportation Planner 

Reviewed by:

Jack Witthaus 
Transportation and Traffic Manager 

Reviewed by:

Marvin A. Rose 
Director, Public Works 

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala
City Manager

Attachments

A.     Sunnyvale Bicycle Transportation Plan (pdf format)
B.      Resolution