Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission

City of Sunnyvale Meeting Minutes - Final Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Thursday, April 16, 2020 6:30 PM Telepresence Meeting: City Web Stream CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to Section 3 of Executive Order N-29-20, issued by Governor Newsom on March 17, 2020, the meeting was conducted telephonically. Chair Mehlinger called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. via teleconference. ROLL CALL Present 7 - Chair Richard Mehlinger Vice Chair John Cordes Commissioner Arwen Davé Commissioner Dan Hafeman Commissioner Leia Mehlman Commissioner Timothy Oey Commissioner Scott Swail Lillian Tsang, Principal Transportation Planner and Ralph Garcia, Senior Transportation Engineer attended via teleconference. Chair Mehlinger announced the upcoming Board and Commissions recruitment for the following positions: - Arts Commission - 1 seat - Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission - 2 seats - Board of Building Code Appeals - 2 seats - Board of Library Trustees - 2 seats - Heritage Preservation Committee - 2 seats - Housing and Human Services Commission - 2 seats - Parks and Recreation Commission - 1 seat - Personnel Board - 1 seat - Planning Commission - 2 seats City of Sunnyvale Page 1 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final April 16, 2020 Commission - Sustainability Commission - 2 seats Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30 in order to be scheduled for an interview with City Council on May 12 or May 13. For more information, please visit Sunnyvale.ca.gov and search Boards and Commissions or call the office of the City Clerk at 408-730-7483 to request an application. PRESENTATION 20-0413 Active Transportation Plan Draft Review Lillian Tsang, Principal Transportation Engineer, gave an overview on what the Active Transportation Plan entails and how data was collected from the public. Ms. Tsang introduced Jeff Knowles from Alta Planning + Design who gave a presentation on the Draft Active Transportation Plan. Jeff Knowles from Alta Planning + Design gave a presentation about the Active Transportation Plan to BPAC. Mr. Knowles covered the following topics: 1. Sunnyvale Active Transportation Plan Process 2. Bicycle Network Recommendations 3. Pedestrian Network Recommendations 4. Safe Routes to School Recommendations 5. Public Draft Plan - Comments Received 6. Next Steps - Comment period for public draft will be from March 14 - April 19. Comments can be sent to Lillian Tsang at Ltsang@sunnyvale.ca.gov or by using the online comment tool. - Revisions and Final Plan will be in May - Present the final plan at BPAC Meeting on June 18 for a vote and recommendation to City Council for Plan Adoption - Go to City Council for Plan Adoption in July Vice Chair Cordes made the following comments: - Thanked Alta Planning + Design for all their hard work on this plan City of Sunnyvale Page 2 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final April 16, 2020 Commission - Recommends at least 50 miles of Class I and Class IV bikeways - Would like to see more input from what other cities are doing - Would like to see the data from Alta on where they got their cost estimates - Would like to see more specifics in the plan that are not defined - Would like to see benchmarking analysis done on what we are proposing and how well it is going to meet our needs - Map should include the Cross-County Bicycle Corridors in the Countywide Bicycle Plan - Map should highlight the Central Bikeway Feasibility Study which includes a study on a 10-mile bicycle superhighway - Would like the Active Transportation Plan to be updated every 5-6 years instead of every 10 years Commissioner Oey made the following comments: - Thanked Alta Planning + Design and staff for their hard work on the plan - Would like to see a full set of recommendations from the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition. Specifically, the 10% bicycle mode share goal by 2030. - Would like to see more sub goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time bound, known as smart goals - What are we measuring and when will we get there? - Strongly supports having at least 50 miles of Class I and Class IV bikeways as well as 120 miles total improved structure across to make it a more walkable and bikeable city - Would like to make Hollenbeck a key connector - Would like to see more measurement metrics and when we can accomplish them in the visions and goals aspect of the plan - Need a fully connected grid network Commissioner Davé made the following comments: - Supports Commissioner Oey's statements on the measurable goals and time frame - Thanked Alta Planning + Design for taking on the public comment, implementing what the schools want to see more of and the east/west corridors Commissioner Hafeman made the following comments: - Thanked Alta Planning + Design and staff for all their hard work on the plan - Would like to see the speed limit lowered on El Camino Real between Sunnyvale Avenue and Wolfe Road - There are no new crosswalks crossing El Camino Real - There is no pedestrian crossing across Mary at Carson Avenue City of Sunnyvale Page 3 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final April 16, 2020 Commission Commissioner Mehlman made the following comments: - Thanks Alta Planning + Design and City staff for all their hard work on the plan - Concerned about the plan for the 237/101 interchange connectivity and that it is only for a Class II bike lane - In regards to public comment about vehicle volume on specific roads, more importance is being placed on vehicle volume rather than increasing pedestrian/bicycle volume, especially at Maude/Mathilda Commissioner Swail made the following comment: - Thanked Alta Planning + Design and City staff for all their hard work on the plan Chair Mehlinger made the following comments: - Thanked Alta Planning + Design and City staff for all their hard work on the plan - Too many gaps in the network. Need to have a more connected network - Need to target the 10% mode share by 2030 and in order to do that, the network must be connected - Fully endorses the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition letter - Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road needs to be Class IV all the way to Maude Avenue. Senior Transportation Engineer Ralph Garcia read the following public comment received via email: Cliff Bargar, member of the public, made the following comments through email on the Lawrence Station Area Plan and the Active Transportation Plan: - Kifer should be designed with a safer streetscape including a road diet. Chair Mehlinger called for a recess at 7:35 p.m. Chair Mehlinger reconvened the meeting at 7:40 p.m. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None CONSENT CALENDAR Vice Chair Cordes moved and Commissioner Oey seconded to approve item 1.A. The motion carried the following vote: City of Sunnyvale Page 4 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final April 16, 2020 Commission Yes 7 - Chair Mehlinger Vice Chair Cordes Commissioner Davé Commissioner Hafeman Commissioner Mehlman Commissioner Oey Commissioner Swail No 0 1.A Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission Meeting Minutes of February 20, 2020. Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission Meeting Minutes of February 20, 2020 as submitted. PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS 2 20-0402 Recommend to City Council a Project to be Used in the Application of Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Funding for Fiscal Year 2020/21 Alternative 1: Recommend to City Council to use the TDA(Transportation Development Act) Article 3 grant fund for FY 20/21, estimated at $157,810, for the recommended project: Safety Improvements at the intersection of Fremont Avenue and Manet Drive/Bobwhite Avenue. Ralph Garcia, Senior Transportation Engineer, discussed the TDA Article 3 grant fund for FY 20/21. Mr. Garcia explained that the fund will cover safety improvements at the intersection of Fremont Avenue and Manet Drive/Bobwhite Avenue. The project would include the design and implementation of the following pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements: - Install curb extension on the northwest corner with bi-directional ADA compliance curb ramps - Install high visibility crosswalks at the intersection - Install an accessible pedestrian system - Replace all existing 8 inch vehicle signal heads with 12 inch vehicle signal heads to improve visibility - Modify traffic signals to accommodate the implementation of the above improvements City of Sunnyvale Page 5 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final April 16, 2020 Commission Mr. Garcia stated that City Council approved the application for FY 19/20 TDA Article 3 grant funding at the May 21, 2019 City Council meeting. Mr. Garcia stated that the grant would begin with the design and implementation at the Fremont Avenue and Manet Drive/Bobwhite Avenue intersection. The estimated cost to complete the project exceeded the fiscal year 19/20 TDA Article 3 funding of $172,712. Mr. Garcia stated the two alternatives for FY20/21 TDA Article 3 grant funding: 1. First Alternative is to recommend to City Council to use the TDA Article 3 grant funds for FY 20/21 estimated at $157,810 for the recommended project of safety improvements at the intersection of Fremont Avenue and Manet Drive/Bobwhite Avenue. 2. Second Alternative is to recommend to City Council to use the TDA Article 3 grant funds for another project. Chair Mehlinger asked if there is any excess funds leftover would it rollover to the next FY TDA funding? Ms. Tsang responded to the question. Vice Chair Cordes asked if the improvements include bicycling improvements and would it include striping that would be done for a bike lane across Fremont Avenue? Can the design be modified to include that? Ms. Tsang stated that currently the City is not implementing cross intersection bike lane markings. Currently only protective intersections have painted bike lanes across streets. Vice Chair Cordes asked if he could be on a list to be notified when the design is drafted so he can look at it for input. Ms. Tsang stated that the design is a technical operational issue and not a policy issue therefore plans could be reviewed as a member of the public but not as a Commissioner and you would only be notified when plans are ready not when drafted. Commissioner Oey asked the following questions: 1. Would the safety improvements include a no right turn on red option? Mr. Garcia City of Sunnyvale Page 6 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final April 16, 2020 Commission stated there will not be a no right turn on red option. 2. Is it possible to have a bike box on Manet Drive/Bobwhite Avenue so that the bikes can get ahead of the cars? Mr. Garcia stated this option might be available in the future when more funds are allotted. 3. Will there always be a bike marking at the through lane at these intersections? Mr. Garcia stated that staff will check with the Traffic signal department to see if they can put a bike marking where the bicyclist should stop. Commissioner Mehlman asked for clarification about the green markings. Ms. Tsang addressed the questions. Commissioner Oey moved and Commissioner Swail seconded the motion to approve Alternative 1: 1. Recommend to City Council to use the TDA(Transportation Development Act) Article 3 grant fund for FY 20/21, estimated at $157,810, for the recommended project: Safety Improvements at the intersection of Fremont Avenue and Manet Drive/Bobwhite Avenue. The motion carried the following vote: Yes 7 - Chair Mehlinger Vice Chair Cordes Commissioner Davé Commissioner Hafeman Commissioner Mehlman Commissioner Oey Commissioner Swail No 0 3 20-0414 Discussion on Design Concepts for 2020 Utility Bill Insert Mr. Garcia discussed the Design Concepts for 2020 Utility Bill. Ms. Tsang stated that the first three ideas were modified per BPAC suggestions. Also, the HAWK Beacon insert will be modified to look like the existing HAWK signal at Helen Avenue. The photo will be updated. Commissioner Oey thanked staff and the graphic designer for the design concepts. Commissioner Oey commented on the older and new version of the "Merge Right to Turn Right" insert and compared the pro's and con's of each of them. City of Sunnyvale Page 7 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final April 16, 2020 Commission Vice Chair Cordes asked if a bigger sheet could be used. Ms. Tsang stated that a bigger sheet request would have to be in the budget. If BPAC would like to have the sheet bigger for next year it has to be in the next budget cycle for FY 20/21. Commissioner Mehlman made comments about the "Merge Right to Turn Right" insert and asked that it be made clearer. Mr. Garcia stated there is a newer version of the same concept that may be clearer. Commissioner Hafeman made comments about how cars are supposed to behave making a right turn. Chair Mehlinger commented on the new version of the "Merge Right to Turn Right" insert and suggested changing a word from "should" to "may". Vice Chair Cordes suggested scaling back on some of the wording to make room for other languages on the inserts. Commissioner Davé suggested to eliminate repeating graphics to make more room for other ways to communicate the information. Commissioner Oey moved go with the insert that says "Ride and Walk Be Seen and Be Safe" but to change the order of the wording and put the first half at the bottom and the second half move to the top. Replace one of the graphics with "Bicyclist must ride with traffic". On the flip side use the second "It's a law, Merge Right to Turn Right" with an updated logo. Commissioner Hafeman seconded. Chair Mehlinger proposed a friendly amendment to have to "Share the Road" sign added below "Bicyclists May Use Full Lane" on the "Ride and Walk, Be Seen and Be Safe" insert. Commissioner Oey accepts the friendly amendment. Chair Mehlinger, Vice Chair Cordes and Commissioner Mehlman oppose the motion to approve the "Ride and Walk, Be Seen and Be Safe" insert. They all agree on that the flyer should focus on driver behavior rather than bicyclist behavior. The motion failed by the following vote: Yes 2 - Commissioner Hafeman Commissioner Oey City of Sunnyvale Page 8 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final April 16, 2020 Commission No 5 - Chair Mehlinger Vice Chair Cordes Commissioner Davé Commissioner Mehlman Commissioner Swail Vice Chair Cordes moved and Commissioner Mehlman seconded to have on the front of the flier "Look Before Opening" and "Bicyclists May Use Full Lane" messages and the "Bicyclists May Use Full Lane" come with a "Share the Road Sign" and some indication of equivalence and on the reverse side "Merge Right to Turn Right" with the re-drawn bike lane. The motion carried the following vote: Yes 7 - Chair Mehlinger Vice Chair Cordes Commissioner Davé Commissioner Hafeman Commissioner Mehlman Commissioner Oey Commissioner Swail No 0 STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES None NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS -Commissioner Comments Vice Chair Cordes made the following comments: - May is bike month - There is a program called Joy Ride through the Silicon Valley Bike Coalition where you ride to 3 different places from now until May 11 and enter a contest to have a chance to win $50 gift certificate - Asked staff about the slurry seal list and striping for the added bike lanes - Congratulated Chair Mehlinger on his approved project for his bicycle access to the Sunnyvale Caltrain station which was ranked #1 by City Council for Public Works projects City of Sunnyvale Page 9 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final April 16, 2020 Commission - Letter sent out regarding temporary lane closures and for drivers to slow down Ms. Tsang stated that staff will be looking at the slurry list and the current adopted bike plan to see if any of the roads that are going to be resurfaced will be able to implement the improvements on it. Commissioner Oey made comments about the following: - The Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition is having a May Power Bike Month Challenge program, first week is Flower Power, second week is People Power, third week is Petal Power and the fourth week is Wheel Power. May 14 is Bike to Wherever Day! - Bike to Work Day will be September 24, 2020 - Caltrains Grade Separation Feasibility study - Safe Routes to School collaborative meeting was canceled in April - Cupertino is having a series of Middle School bicycle skills courses starting in June - Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition is offering free webinars Commissioner Mehlman made the following comments: - Bike forum in October with the Women on Wheels panel Commissioner Hafeman made the following comment: - Sunnyvale should consider automatic pedestrian signals so pedestrians do not have to push buttons during pandemic Mr. Garcia stated that the traffic signal group is looking into automating some pedestrian signals. Chair Mehlinger made the following comments: - Suggested highlighting the slurry list to just show what changes are going to be made - Emphasized that bicycling is permitted during the shelter in place - Pedestrians should not be walking on Mathilda Avenue - Asked that BPAC review the proposed change for the sidewalk bicycling ordinance prior to going to City Council - Read to BPAC the letter sent to City Council about pedestrian buttons - Should have a lane closure on Tasman to accommodate bicyclists during shelter-in-place -Staff Comments City of Sunnyvale Page 10 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final April 16, 2020 Commission Mr. Garcia, Senior Transportation Engineer, made the following comments: - Improved Bicycle and Pedestrian Access at Caltrain station study issue was ranked #1 - Evelyn Avenue study issue was deferred - Adopt Personal Transportation Vehicle Parking Standards study issue was dropped - Bike racks installation program in commercial area budget issue was referred - Budget workshop is scheduled for May 21, 2020 - VTA Measure B Bicycle/Pedestrian Capital Projects Competitive Grant Application deadline was extended to April 20 - The following applications will be submitted: 1. Bernardo Avenue undercrossing led by VTA for design and construction 2. Homestead Road Safe Route to School Project led by VTA and supported by Los Altos, Cupertino, Sunnyvale and the County for environmental and design 3. Stevens Creek Trail Extension from Dale Avenue/Heatherstone Way to West Remington Drive and Mountain View High School. Led by Mountain View and supported by Sunnyvale for environmental and design 4. A separate Stevens Creek Trail Extension application from West Remington Drive to Fremont Avenue led by Sunnyvale for environmental, design and construction - Measure B - Bicycle and Pedestrian Education and Encouragement Program will be brought to City Council to authorize City Manager to execute the funding agreement on April 28, 2020 - Bike to Work Day rescheduled for September 24, 2020 - Update on the Maude Avenue Streetscape Project Chair Mehlinger asked if there could be Nextdoor and media posts on traffic safety for pedestrians and bicyclists and drivers. Also, are lighting improvements going to happen? Ms. Tsang will talk with communications. Mr. Garcia addressed the lighting improvements. INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS 20-0415 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee 2020 Annual Work Plan City of Sunnyvale Page 11 Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Meeting Minutes - Final April 16, 2020 Commission 20-0416 Active Items List - April 2020 20-0417 Annual Slurry Seal List 20-0418 Council Ranking of Study Issues ADJOURNMENT Chair Mehlinger adjourned the meeting at 9:31 p.m. City of Sunnyvale Page 12