CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting: October 1, 2024
Subject
Second reading of Ordinance No. 24-2263 “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cupertino amending Table 11.24.150 of the Cupertino Municipal Code Relating to Prohibition of Parking along certain streets,” prohibiting parking along the west side of Vista Dive between Forest Avenue and Merritt Drive.
Recommended Action
Conduct the second reading and enact Ordinance 24-2263, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO AMENDING TABLE 11.24.150 OF THE CUPERTINO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO PROHIBITION OF PARKING ALONG CERTAIN STREETS.” [Note: First Reading Agenda Item: Implementation of an on-street two-way Class IV bike lane on Vista Drive and Forest Avenue (Alternative 3) along the Lawson Middle School frontage and prohibition of parking along the west side of Vista Dive between Forest Avenue and Merritt Drive for the accommodation of Class IV bicycle lanes and adoption of an Ordinance Municipal Code Table 11.24.150, relating to prohibition of parking along certain streets.] Reasons for Recommendation
The Lawson Middle School Bikeway Project (Project) was initiated because of the School Walk Audit Implementation Project. The purpose of the School Walk Audit Implementation Project was to enhance the safety of students walking or biking to Cupertino's fourteen public schools by identifying various improvement projects to enhance roadway safety for all school-age children. The Project developed a comprehensive list of recommendations for improving bicyclist and pedestrian safety surrounding Cupertino's public schools. One of the improvements identified in the School Walk Audit Implementation Project was the installation of a two-way separated bike path at Lawson Middle School, which would provide a safe and convenient way for students to access the campus bike cages. Due to the congested conditions during the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times, the sidewalks adjacent to the school are crowded with students, and the streets around the school experience significant vehicular traffic. Installing the bike path would provide cyclists with a separate, dedicated space, keeping them away from vehicles on the road and pedestrians on the sidewalks.
At the July 9 City Council meeting, staff presented the Lawson Middle School Bikeway Project. The staff report for that meeting is included as Attachment B. By unanimous vote, the City Council directed staff to proceed with the implementation of an on-street two-way Class IV bikeway on the west side of Vista Drive between Forest Avenue and Merritt Drive and the north side of Forest Avenue between Vista Drive (west) and Vista Drive (east), and to proceed with the preparation of the final design. The City Council also conducted the first reading of Ordinance No. 24-2263, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cupertino amending Table 11.24.150 of the Cupertino Municipal Code Relating to Prohibition of Parking along certain streets.” The ordinance is required to prohibit on-street parking along the west side of Vista Drive necessary for the implementation of the Class IV bikeway.
Next Steps
Following Council adoption of this ordinance, staff will proceed with design and implementation of the on-street two-way Class IV bikeway. Project bid would be anticipated to occur Fall 2024, with construction occurring Spring 2025.
Sustainability Impact
The Implementation of the project supports walking and biking to school, which reduces traffic congestion and leads to reduced vehicle emissions, helping the City achieve its air quality and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
This project is exempt from the CEQA under 14 C.C.R. Section 15304(h), Class 4, minor public, or private alterations in the condition of land, water and/or vegetation which does not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees for the creation of bicycle lanes on existing right of way. _____________________________________
Prepared by: David Stillman, Transportation Manager
Reviewed by: Chad Mosley, Director of Public Works
Reviewed by: Tina Kapoor, Interim Assistant City Manager Approved for Submission by: Pamela Wu, City Manager
Attachment:
A – Draft Ordinance
B – July 9, 2024 City Council Staff Report