November 1, 2005

SUBJECT: Sunnyvale Bicycle Map Update – Study Issue

REPORT IN BRIEF

The Sunnyvale Bicycle Map Update is a 2005 Study Issue priority, initiated by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). The Sunnyvale Bicycle Plan Action Statement BP.A1.a articulates that a new map showing bike paths, routes and lanes and their suitability ratings should be published periodically. The Sunnyvale Municipal Code Section 10.56.286 also states that “there shall be maintained on file in the department of public works and available for inspection by the public, a map showing the bicycle lanes, paths, routes, and bikeways, as established from time to time by the city council.” The suitability rating system is a method of evaluating various routes across the City for their suitability for bicycle travel. It is designed to help bicyclists choose a route that best suits their skill level. Currently these are broken into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

The current bike map was completed in 1993 and updated in 2001. There have been many bike improvements within the last few years that are not reflected on the current bike map. In addition, the roadway suitability ratings were in need of an update.

As part of the Bicycle Map update all existing bike lanes, routes and trails were depicted. In addition, in order to aid in route selection, all major streets were rated to indicate the level of competence recommended for safe bicycle travel. Also new information depicting neighborhood pathway connections is included in the map. At the October 13, 2005 meeting, the BPAC took action to recommend approval of the 2005 Sunnyvale Bicycle Map.

A proof of the proposed bicycle map is shown in Attachment A. Staff asks that City Council approve the Sunnyvale Bicycle Map.

BACKGROUND

The City of Sunnyvale released its first bicycle map in 1993 as part of the 1993 Bicycle Plan. This included all existing bicycle lanes, routes and trails at the time. In addition, all major streets were rated to indicate the level of competence recommended for safe bicycle travel. This ranking was based on the roadway’s speed, volume, and roadway geometry such as width of outside lane, on-street parking and number of driveway access points.

In January 2001, coinciding with the reprinting of the map for Bike to Work Day, new bicycle lanes and trails were added to the existing 1993 map. Since 2001, there have been a number of additions to the Sunnyvale bicycle network and the bicycle suitability ratings hadn’t been updated since 1993.  For this reason, City Council ranked the Bicycle Map Update as a priority during the 2005 Study Issue process.

The City currently has 79 miles of on-street bicycle lanes. This is a 163% increase from the miles of bike lanes in 1993, and an 88% increase from the miles of bicycle lane in 2000.

EXISTING POLICY

Land Use and Transportation Element C3.5.4 - Maximize the provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Sunnyvale Bicycle Plan BP.A1.a – A new map showing bike paths, routes and lanes and their suitability ratings should be published periodically.

DISCUSSION

The Sunnyvale Bicycle Map Update is a 2005 Study Issue priority, initiated by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). The Sunnyvale Bicycle Plan Action Statement BP.A1.a articulates that a new map showing bike paths, routes and lanes and their suitability ratings should be published periodically. The Sunnyvale Municipal Code Section 10.56.286 also states that “there shall be maintained on file in the department of public works and available for inspection by the public, a map showing the bicycle lanes, paths, routes, and bikeways, as established from time to time by the city council.” The suitability rating system is a method of evaluating various routes across the City for their suitability for bicycle travel. It is designed to help bicyclists choose a route that best suits their skill level. Currently these are broken into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

The current bike map was completed in 1993 and updated in 2001. There have been many bike improvements within the last few years that are not reflected on the current bike map. In addition, the roadway suitability ratings were in need of an update.

As part of the Bicycle Map update all existing bike lanes, routes and trails were depicted in addition to providing a fresh base-map and color scheme. The suitability ratings were also updated. This was done through a comprehensive data collection effort.

At the September 15, 2005 BPAC meeting, the Committee took action to request that all public access paths be shown on the bicycle map. This includes small neighborhood “cut-though” paths that facilitate bicycle and pedestrian access through neighborhoods with cul-de-sacs and parks. These paths were not published on the previous version of the map.

Staff considered this request and determined that including these paths on the map could be a significant benefit to bicyclists and may encourage more bicycle ridership if people can plan routes with more comprehensive knowledge of different pathways. Many potential riders may never be comfortable with major street riding and if they can plan efficient routes using neighborhood streets, they may be inclined to ride more frequently. For these reasons this path information has been included on the 2005 Bicycle Map.

At the October 13, 2005 meeting, the BPAC took action to recommend approval of the 2005 Sunnyvale Bicycle Map. The motion reads “BPAC recommends approval of the Bicycle Map in substantially the same form as presented, with factual errors and BPACs input reconciled/corrected before final printing.” The BPACs comments are included in Attachment B, the draft October 13, 2005 Meeting Minutes.

A proof of the proposed bicycle map is shown in Attachment 1. This is still considered a draft, so that any factual errors that are found on the map can be corrected before final printing. Staff asks that City Council approve the Sunnyvale Bicycle Map in substantially the same form as presented with factual errors and BPACs input reconciled/corrected before final printing.

FISCAL IMPACT

The Bicycle Map Update Project budget 825070 includes funds for map design, data collection and printing.

Conclusion

This report asks that Council approve the 2005 Sunnyvale Bicycle Map in substantially the same form with factual errors corrected before final printing. The map has been updated to include all bicycle lanes, trails, and routes; In addition, the suitability ratings for all major streets have been updated. At the October 13, 2005 meeting, the BPAC took action to recommend approval of the 2005 Sunnyvale Bicycle Map in substantially the same form as presented, with factual errors and BPACs input reconciled/corrected before final printing.  

PUBLIC CONTACT

Public input was received through a series of regularly scheduled BPAC meetings. The Sunnyvale Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee considered elements of the map at its February 17^th, April 21^st, June 16^th, August 18^th and September 15^th 2005 meetings. At the October 13, 2005 meeting, the BPAC took action to recommend approval of the 2005 Sunnyvale Bicycle Map in substantially the same form as presented, with factual errors and BPACs input reconciled/corrected before final printing.

Public notice of this City Council public hearing was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City's web page, and the availability of the report in the Library and the City Clerk's Office.

ALTERNATIVES

1.     Approve the 2005 Sunnyvale Bicycle Map in substantially the same form as presented with factual errors and BPACs input reconciled/corrected before final printing.

2.     Approve the 2005 Sunnyvale Bicycle Map with modifications.

3.      Do not approve the 2005 Sunnyvale Bicycle Map.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee recommend Alternative 1 – Approve the 2005 Sunnyvale Bicycle Map in substantially the same form as presented, with factual errors and BPACs input reconciled/corrected before final printing.

The map has been updated to include all bicycle lanes, trails, and routes. In addition, the suitability ratings for all major streets have been updated.

Reviewed by:

Marvin A. Rose Director, Public Works

Prepared by: Dieckmann Cogill, Transportation Planner

Approved by:

Amy Chan

City Manager

Attachments

A. Proposed 2005 Sunnyvale Bicycle Map (A, B .pdf)

B. Draft BPAC Meeting Minutes, October 13, 2005 (.pdf)