From: Eris Weaver <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2024 1:33 PM
To: Kevin Patterson <[email protected]>; Susan Harvey <[email protected]>; Laura Sparks <[email protected]>; Ben Ford <[email protected]>; Kay Rivers <[email protected]>; Sylvia Lemus <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item #12B: Environmental Review for Hwy 116/West Cotati Ave Intersection Safety Improvements Project
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Dear Councilmembers:
I realize that tonight’s action on this project is to approve the Environmental Review, to which I have no objections. I do, however, have a concern about the current design regarding safety for bicyclists.
The plan states that the westbound side of Highway 116 will have a Class I path; excellent! However, the planned Class IIB lane on the eastbound side is insufficient. With a design speed of 40-60 mph, the only bicycle infrastructure appropriate for all ages and abilities would be Class I or Class IV, with vertical elements separating bicycles from vehicles. (See graphic below from NACTO standards)
We only have one chance to do this right! Although I am a fairly confident cyclist, I currently refuse to ride Highway 116; adding a Class II lane is NOT going to make this stretch more accessible to more riders.
Also, I notice that the EIR references the City’s 2014 Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan but NOT the 2024 Active Transportation Plan; I’ve not had time to review the document in enough detail to see if this makes any difference in its conclusions.
I look forward to further conversations as the project moves from 35% to 100% design.
Thank you for your consideration.
Eris Weaver, Executive Director
Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition
[email protected]
707-545-0153 office • 707-338-8589 cell
www.bikesonoma.org
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