Alta Planning + Design, Inc. City of Cupertino | 1
To: David Stillman, Transportation Manager, City of Cupertino Matthew Schroeder, Senior Transit and Transportation Planner, City of Cupertino From: Christopher Kidd and George Foster, Alta Planning + Design Date: January 1, 2026
Re: Cupertino ATP: Policy and Program Recommendations
This memo provides a summary of new legislation that may impact policy and program recommendations, as well as a consolidated, updated set of recommended policies and support programs to enhance the existing walking and rolling networks in the City of Cupertino. Several plans are referenced throughout this document, but the Active Transportation Plan will be referred to in capital letters as the Plan.
The memo first summarizes Recent Regional, State, and Federal Policies, then presents detailed tables of Policy and Program Recommendations. Although regional Equity informs all recommendations, these tables focus on the following key areas of potential policy and programmatic investment: Engineering, Encouragement, Education, Enforcement, and Evaluation. As an appendix, there is also an overview of relevant Existing Cupertino Policy Recommendations.
Recent Regional, State, and Federal Policies
The following State-level legislation has been passed in the last five years and will affect the implementation of this Active Transportation Plan and its accompanying policies and programs.
Roadway Safety Enhancements
Daylighting (AB 413): This law, which took effect in 2024, aims to improve visibility at crosswalks by prohibiting vehicles from stopping or parking within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of crosswalks with curb extensions.
Speed Safety System Pilot Program (AB 645): This program, established by a bill signed in October 2023, permits select cities to install speed cameras to deter reckless driving. Cities like San Francisco have already implemented the program, deploying cameras in high-risk areas. There is potential for Cupertino to implement speed cameras if this pilot is successful.
Reckless Driving Crackdown (SB 1509): This legislation aims to deter reckless driving, particularly speeding, by strengthening enforcement and considering the use of technology like speed cameras.
Safer, More Inclusive Street Design (SB 960): This bill enhances the California State Highway System by requiring Caltrans to incorporate features such as bike lanes, sidewalks, and transit facilities into its planning and projects.
Speed Limit Setting (AB 43): Legislation was passed to authorize Caltrans and local authorities to set, retain, or restore speed limits on highways, including the possibility of a reduction of five mph in some circumstances.
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Infrastructure Funding and Regulation
Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): Though not state-specific legislation, California was expected to receive over $40 billion in federal funds from this bipartisan act, to be invested in various transportation projects, including roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure. However, many federally funded active transportation projects are currently facing political obstruction, and their future is unclear.
CEQA Exemptions for Bicycle and Mass-Transit Projects (SB 288): This bill added statutory California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemptions for bicycle projects. SB 922 extended and enhanced the CEQA exemptions for sustainable transportation projects—including bike lanes, pedestrian infrastructure, bus rapid transit, and light rail—through 2030. This expedites the approval and construction of these climate-friendly projects by reducing administrative delays and costs, thereby promoting cleaner, safer, and more equitable transportation options statewide.
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Policy and Program Recommendations
This section includes descriptions of existing and proposed policies and programs, organized by programmatic/policy category: Equity, Engineering, Encouragement, Education, Enforcement, and Evaluation. These policy and program recommendations align with the goals of the Active Transportation Plan: Safety, Accessibility, Maintenance, Sustainability, Multimodal Balance, and Fairness. Examples are provided for many to illustrate implementation.
Equity
The proposed programmatic and policy recommendations outlined in this memo should be prioritized through a regional equity lens to support efforts to improve the City’s active transportation network. This should be incorporated into all future policies and programs through early community involvement, targeted outreach, attending existing community events, hosting events in affected communities, and providing translation services.
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Engineering
Pedestrian and bicycle support facilities provide increased comfort and convenience for individuals who use active modes to get around. Table 1 summarizes existing and proposed engineering policies and programs in the City that work in conjunction with existing infrastructure to improve the user experience. Infrastructure improvements should be prioritized near schools, parks, transit stops, medical centers, senior centers, City services, commercial areas, and HIN/HII.
Note: Several of the recommended policies and programs in this section are already in place in Cupertino but have significant potential for codification and expansion.
Table 1 Existing and Recommended Engineering Policies and Programs Policy/Program Description Plan Goal Examples
Existing
Vision Zero Policy The City adopted a local Vision Zero Action Plan to better understand local collisions and collaborate
across City Departments to improve safety for walking
and rolling in Cupertino.
Safety Cupertino Vision Zero
Action Plan
Complete Streets
Policy
The City adopted a local Complete Streets policy to
ensure streets are designed to enable safe,
convenient, and comfortable travel for users of all ages and abilities, regardless of their mode of
transportation.
Accessibility and
Multimodal
Balance
Cupertino Complete Streets
Policy
Online Information
and Service Requests
The City currently operates a telephone, app, and
online service request system (Cupertino311), which
allows residents to submit an issue or request for a
specific service for traffic signals, roadway issues, or sidewalk obstructions.
Accessibility and
Maintenance
Cupertino Maintenance
Services
Wayfinding Wayfinding signage provides important destination, distance, and navigation information to roadway
users. Specific wayfinding signs designed for people
walking and bicycling can be expanded and improved
at key locations across the City to further support
active transportation.
Accessibility Cupertino Wayfinding
Project
Recommended
Pedestrian-Scale
Lighting
Pedestrian-scale streetlights are designed at a lower
height and intensity to enhance visibility, safety, and comfort for people walking in urban or public
spaces. By increasing visibility, it improves safety and crime outcomes. It also enhances the walkability and
aesthetic appeal of public spaces, encouraging more
foot traffic and fostering a sense of community. LED
lights can be used to reduce energy costs, and
shields can be used to minimize night sky pollution
or limit light pollution on adjacent private property.
Safety
Alameda, CA
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Policy/Program Description Plan Goal Examples
Crossing Facility
Improvements
City may improve crossing facilities by implementing
high-visibility crosswalks, advance stop or yield
markings, pedestrian refuge islands, and raised
crosswalks or intersections. These enhancements
would make people walking and rolling more visible
to drivers.
Safety Sacramento, CA
Evaluate Right
Turn on Red
Restrictions
Evaluate intersections to limit vehicles from turning
right at a red-light signal on a case-by-case basis, when traffic operations analysis indicates that the restriction can be implemented without creating unacceptable
vehicle delay.
Safety Ann Arbor, Michigan
Leading Pedestrian
Interval (LPI)
The City may consider LPIs at signalized
intersections, with a plan moving forward to update
key intersections.
Safety CA AB 2264 (2022)
Active Detection at
Intersections for
People Walking and
Rolling
Develop an inventory of signalized intersections
without active detection for people walking and
rolling and create a way forward for standardization
and inclusion at signal heads. Establish a
standardized approach for integrating reliable
detection technologies—such as passive infrared,
video, or radar sensors—ensuring they are
accurately placed along built and desired routes.
Define clear specifications for detector performance,
placement, and integration with signal systems, and
incorporate upgrades into signal maintenance,
capital projects, and retiming efforts. Include staff
training, contractor guidance, and periodic
evaluation to ensure effective and consistent
deployment citywide.
Safety and
Accessibility
Santa Clara County, CA
Active Detection White
Paper
Curb Extensions at
Intersections
Consider additional curb extensions at school-zone
intersections and mid-block crossings to reduce
vehicle speeds and improve overall transportation
safety.
Safety San Francisco, CA
Sidewalk and Curb
Cut Improvement
Program
The City may develop a sidewalk and curb cut
improvement program with a dedicated funding
stream to close sidewalk gaps and add curb ramps at
key locations. This program would allow the City to
be more responsive to local citizen complaints for
sidewalk and curb cut enhancements.
Safety, Fairness,
and
Maintenance
Palo Alto, CA
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Policy/Program Description Plan Goal Examples
End-of-Trip Facilities End-of-trip facilities such as bike parking, water stations, kiosks, and fix-it stations help encourage
people to bike more by providing the amenities they
need at the end of their trip. These facilities are
typically most suitable in City right-of-way areas
with high concentrations of walking and rolling, such
as the Cupertino Library.
Accessibility and
Sustainability
Los Angeles, CA
Lower Speed Limits Create a program to analyze and reduce speeds where appropriate along arterial and collector
roadways based on the CA Manual for Setting Speed
Limits. Lowering the speed limits on streets may
lessen the severity and frequency of crashes.
Safety Santa Monica, CA
Lower School Zone
Speed Limits
Per California Vehicle Code Section 22358.8, the City
may consider reducing speed limits around School
Zones, which may be lowered to 15 mph on all two-
way residential streets within 500 feet of schools,
and 25 mph up to 1,000 feet from schools.
Safety and
Accessibility
Oakland, CA
Quick Build Project
Implementation
Quick Build projects typically include less expensive
materials such as paint, thermoplastic, and
bollards/delineators (or other sturdy but removable
materials). These improvements share many of the
same safety benefits as their permanent
counterparts, but can be implemented more quickly
and cost-effectively, allowing the City to be
responsive to safety concerns while still planning for
long-term funding and implementation. The City
should consider implementing Quick Build projects
identified in completed school walk audits, in
addition to other priority areas.
Safety and
Maintenance
CalBike Design Guide
Quick Build White Paper
Expand the City Tree
Canopy
Consider planting shade trees and other greening
elements along corridors where people may be
walking and rolling, and within school zones.
Caltrans considers street trees to be traffic-calming
elements as they are often attributed to a perceived
narrowing of the roadway, a sense of rhythm and
human scale created by framing the street, and the
perception that the driver is in a place where they
are more likely to encounter people walking or
rolling and cross-traffic.
Sustainability
and Fairness
San José, CA
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Policy/Program Description Plan Goal Examples
Update Street Design
Standards
Review and update all relevant policy and design
standards regarding bikeway facilities, path and
sidewalk design, materials, and supporting amenities
to be consistent with the most recent best practices
and state and federal standards for bicycle and
pedestrian facilities and in compliance with the latest ADA Standards for Accessible Design and Public
Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG).
Accessibility,
Maintenance,
and Multimodal
Balance
Sacramento, CA
Maintenance
Program
Maintenance is deeply tied to the usability and
lifespan of these engineering recommendations.
Cupertino can develop more detailed protocols for
regular street sweeping and debris removal on
bikeways—particularly Class IV protected lanes and
Class I multi-use paths—to maintain comfort and
reduce risks. Expanded, detailed vegetation
management can address overgrowth that obstructs
visibility at intersections, encroaches onto sidewalks
and paths, and blocks signage. The 311 reporting
system for issues like potholes, flooding, or
obstructions should be widely promoted and
integrated into existing municipal apps and customer
service portals. Maintenance guidelines should
specifically account for newer infrastructure types,
such as roundabouts, green paint treatments, and
modular curbs or delineators, to ensure that
materials are durable and repairable. Coordination
between construction, maintenance, and repaving
schedules is a proven strategy to reduce disruptions
and extend pavement life, and Cupertino can adopt a
“dig-once” approach to align upgrades with
resurfacing or utility work. Regular inspections,
performance audits, and a publicly accessible
maintenance log can help ensure transparency,
accountability, and timely repairs.
Accessibility and
Maintenance
Sacramento, CA
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Encouragement
Encouragement programs help to create a lasting active transportation culture and can encourage overall mode share shifts. Table 2 provides an overview of existing and recommended walking and rolling encouragement programs.
Table 2 Existing and Recommended Encouragement Programs
Policy/Program Description Plan Goal Examples
Existing
Safe Routes to
School (SR2S)
The City should continue the existing Safe Routes to
School Program and place greater emphasis on
working with school districts to address on-site
circulation and spillover traffic.
Safety,
Accessibility, and
Fairness
Cupertino SR2S Program
Bike to Work/
Wherever Days
The City can continue to sponsor Bike to Work/
Wherever Day events in support of regional efforts.
Accessibility Silicon Valley Bicycle
Coalition BTWD
Adopt-a-Trail
Program
The existing Santa Clara County program provides
individuals, groups, businesses, and clubs the
opportunity to adopt a section of trail on an annual
basis. Each sponsor supports their Adopted Trail with
financial contributions and volunteer trail work.
Maintenance Santa Clara County
Adopt-a-Trail
Recommended
Open Streets Open Street events promote and celebrate bicycling and walking and encourage participation from
neighborhoods.
Accessibility and
Sustainability
CicLAvia
Social Walks/Rides Support City departments and local organizations in hosting social rides or walks, like Bike for Boba.
Accessibility and
Sustainability
San José, CA
Walking School
Buses and Bike
Trains [SR2S]
Walking School Buses and Bike Trains are organized
groups of students walking/biking to school under the
supervision of a guardian, teacher, or adult volunteer.
These groups follow predetermined routes and can
operate on an occasional or daily basis, depending on
the interest from families.
Accessibility and
Fairness
Alameda County, CA
Portland, OR
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Policy/Program Description Plan Goal Examples
Bike Parking
Inventory
Map existing racks in the City and upload them to the
open data portal. Develop and publish a public-facing
guide that outlines various types of secure
micromobility parking infrastructure, such as bike
corrals, covered racks, and lockers (like Oonee Pods).
The guide should explain the ideal use cases for each
option, based on factors such as location (e.g., transit hubs, business districts), user needs (e.g., long-term
vs. short-term parking), and security levels. Including photos, technical specifications, and maintenance
considerations will help the City, businesses, and
community organizations make informed decisions
about selecting and installing the right facilities.
Accessibility,
Maintenance,
and Fairness
APBP Essentials of Bike
Parking
Bike Rack
Program
Consider establishing a Bike Rack Installation Program
to provide secure, convenient bicycle parking that
supports everyday bicycling and reduces parking
barriers.
Accessibility
Petaluma, CA
Bicycle Parking
at Large Events
Revise Cupertino Municipal Code regarding event
permits to include “Conditions for Issuance” to
require events expected to draw more than 5,000
attendees must provide secure, attended bicycle
parking for attendees at no charge.
Accessibility Oakland, CA
Electric
Micromobility
Expansion
Cupertino has an opportunity to lead in sustainable
transportation by developing a forward-thinking
policy that actively encourages the use of electric
micromobility devices—such as personal e-bikes, e-
scooters, and other small electric vehicles—in line
with state and regional standards. These devices
make active transportation more accessible by
extending travel distances, reducing trip times, and
performing well in various weather conditions. This
policy can define appropriate use on bike lanes,
multi-use trails, and low-speed streets, with safe
speed limits that prioritize both comfort and safety.
The City can encourage electric micromobility use
and discourage illegal devices and modifications
through public education, safe riding guidance, and
improved infrastructure, such as secure parking with
charging options.
Accessibility and
Fairness
Palo Alto, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
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Policy/Program Description Plan Goal Examples
Trail Steward
Volunteers
Engage with volunteer organizations to regularly
maintain and address community safety concerns
around vegetation and debris on shared-use paths.
Events can be opportunities for volunteers to help
their community.
Maintenance Richmond, CA
Rails-to-Trails Maintenance
Transportation
Demand
Management
(TDM)
Implementation
Plan
Develop a Transportation Demand Management
Implementation Plan or Report to increase support
for commuters bicycling or walking to work. This may
include identifying additional metrics for businesses
to count active transportation-supportive policies
towards their own TDM plans and goals.
Sustainability
and Multimodal
Balance
Metropolitan Transportation
Commission
Walk and Roll
Ambassadors
Walk and Roll Ambassadors are trained community
volunteers who promote safe walking and rolling,
especially among students and families. They
engage in outreach, education, and encouragement
activities to foster active transportation and build a
culture of mobility and safety. These roles are
particularly important in communities where English
is not the first language.
Safety and
Accessibility
Bike East Bay
Partner with
Bicycle
Organizations
The formation of strong relationships with local
bicycle advocates and bicycle clubs will encourage
mutually beneficial collaboration and help the City
reach its plan goals. The City is encouraged to
partner with organizations in the area.
Accessibility CalBike List of Local Partners
Partner and
Coordinate
with County
Agencies
Coordinate with representatives from various County
agencies, including County Public Health and VTA, for
project and program implementation.
Accessibility and
Maintenance
Santa Clara County, CA
Bicycle Friendly
Business
Program
Similar to the Bicycle Friendly Community
designation, the Bicycle Friendly Business program
recognizes businesses for their efforts to encourage a
more bicycle-friendly atmosphere. This requires
businesses to implement various strategies to cater
to the diverse needs of customers and employees.
The City of Cupertino Civic Center Plaza has Gold
award status.
Accessibility and
Sustainability
League of American
Bicyclists
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Education
Walking and rolling education programs help individuals interested in active transportation feel more comfortable, safe, and confident navigating streets and shared-use paths. Table 3 outlines existing educational programs in the City as well as potential program expansion.
Table 3 Existing and Recommended Education Programs
Policy/Program Description Plan Goal Examples
Existing
Safe Routes to
School (SR2S)
The existing SR2S Program provides education and
resources for school site administrators, parents, and
children on bicycle safety, pedestrian awareness, and
traffic concerns.
Safety,
Accessibility, and
Fairness
Cupertino SR2S
Walking and
Rolling Safety
Campaign
Create a City-sponsored outreach campaign to
encourage all road users to abide by local laws and be
courteous to other users. This campaign may be
targeted at a single user type (e.g., cyclists) or at
multiple users. Local stakeholders may assist in
developing goals that are rooted in community
concerns and issues. Campaigns should be deployed
at regular intervals throughout the year to promote
an attitude of safety awareness. Safety campaigns
should be prioritized near schools, parks, transit
stops, commercial areas, and at high collision
corridors.
Safety and
Accessibility
Cupertino Vision Zero PSA
Campaign
Bicycle Rodeos
[SR2S]
The City of Cupertino SR2S Program offers bicycle
rodeo programming at Cupertino Unified schools,
providing a blacktop training course on bicycle safety.
Safety Cupertino SR2S
Recommended
“New
Infrastructure”
Education
Campaign
Often, when infrastructure changes occur, there is a
missing education component to the community
about how to interact with the new design or feature.
Education materials and messaging can be developed
during the installation of infrastructure, which the
general public may be unfamiliar with, such as unique
interchanges/roundabouts, two-stage turn boxes, or
advisory shoulders.
Safety and
Multimodal
Balance
UC Davis
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Policy/Program Description Plan Goal Examples
Driver Education
Program
Establish a citywide driver education program that
focuses on improving awareness and promoting safe
interactions with people walking, biking, and rolling,
incorporating best practices from Vision Zero and Safe
Systems approaches. The program could include
modules on recognizing vulnerable road users,
crosswalk laws, yielding at intersections, safely passing cyclists, and navigating areas with high activity or
limited visibility. The curriculum can be conducted in
partnership with local school districts and SR2S
coordinators. For older adults or existing drivers,
collaborate with the DMV and community centers to
offer targeted refresher workshops. The City can
promote the program through strategic outreach
campaigns—such as during Bike to Everywhere Month
in May—using social media, public service
announcements, and partnerships with local
employers, transit agencies, and neighborhood
associations. Additional outreach tools could include
short educational videos,
translated materials, and interactive online modules.
Safety League of American
Bicyclists
Bicycle Safety
Education for
Adults
Partner with local organizations to provide classes for adults to learn bicycle safety. Support growth by
advertising and providing meeting space in Cupertino.
Safety and
Accessibility
Sonoma County, CA
Huntington Beach, CA
Electric
Micromobility
Education
With the proliferation of e-bikes and other electric
micromobility devices, people may not understand or
be misinformed about how to use these modes safely
and legally. An education campaign can be targeted at
e-mobility, especially among students who may be
excited about the increased travel opportunities
offered by such devices.
Safety and
Accessibility
California Highway Patrol
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Policy/Program Description Plan Goal Examples
Waste Bin
Placement
Provide clear instructions on the City website and in
utility bills about the proper placement of waste bins.
Where on-street parking exists, bins should be placed
near the curb, within the parking aisle. Residents
should be instructed to place bins against the curb
where no on-street parking exists to minimize
intrusion into the bicycle lane. Collaborate with waste management companies to add reflective markings to
waste bins to increase their visibility at night and
reduce the risk of bicycle collisions with misplaced
bins. The City could also work with management
companies to stencil “Do Not Place In Bicycle Lane”
on the waste bins to remind residents of proper
placement.
Maintenance
and Multimodal
Balance
Pomona, CA
Mini Main Street
Education Events
[SR2S]
Host Mini Main Street safety education events and
install permanent traffic gardens at select schools. Mini Main Streets and traffic gardens provide safe
environments for children to practice roadway safety.
Safety Mountain View, CA
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Enforcement
Enforcement programs help to institutionalize safe walking and rolling transportation systems. By prioritizing relationships between law enforcement and individuals who walk and roll, these programs help create a safe environment for all users. Table 4 below lists the proposed enforcement programs for the City.
Table 4 Recommended Enforcement Programs
Policy/Program Description Plan Goal Examples
Recommended
Traffic Ticket
Reduction
Help develop a partnership program with the Santa
Clara County Sheriff and a bicycle education provider
to offer bicycle education as a traffic court option.
People who receive a citation/infraction on a bicycle
for California Vehicle Code violations would be
permitted to attend a Basic Street Skills
class to reduce or waive fines.
Safety and Fairness Marin County, CA
Bike Patrol
Program
Partner with the County Sheriff to develop a program
that provides routine patrolling on bicycles. The
program would enable increased community
engagement and promote bicycle safety.
Safety and Fairness El Cerrito, CA
Targeted
Enforcement
Target enforcement of vehicular violations at
locations with a high incidence of red-light running
and HIN/HII.
Safety and Fairness San José, CA
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Evaluation
Programs to help evaluate and track progress toward reaching the Plan’s goals are essential for long-term success and effective project implementation. Table 5 lists proposed programs that help identify what’s working, what’s not working, and where additional efforts are needed following the completion of the plan.
Table 5 Recommended Evaluation Programs
Policy/Program Description Plan Goal Examples
Existing
Active
Transportation
Online Portal
Update and maintain the GIS portal to display recent
and ongoing active transportation project planning
and status, as well as annual statistics on pedestrian
and bicycle-involved collisions. This portal may also
include links to other active transportation
resources throughout the City.
Safety and
Accessibility
Cupertino Open Data
Portal
Recommended
School Walk Audit
Reports [SR2S]
Update reports with new safety assessments at each
school to identify specific barriers and challenges
faced by students who walk or roll to school and
develop countermeasures to address the identified
deficiencies.
Safety Cupertino SR2S
Annual Walking
and Rolling
Collision Reports
Annual reviews of collisions involving vulnerable
roadway users with the County Sheriff will help the
City assess traffic safety issues and track progress
towards a safer community for people walking and
rolling.
Safety San Francisco, CA
Walking and
Rolling Count
Program
(Manual and
Automated)
Conducting regular walking and rolling counts can
help the City understand how travel behavior is
changing over time. This would include manual and
automated data collection. Manual counts are useful
for capturing nuanced data (age, gender, helmet use,
group sizes) and validating automated counters. This
can be done in collaboration with universities,
advocacy groups, or volunteers to expand manual
count capacity. Automated counters (infrared,
pneumatic tubes, LiDAR, video AI) provide long-term,
high-frequency data and reduce staff time. The use of
automated counting technology, such as in-ground
sensors, infrared counters, or video analytics, can be
integrated into ongoing signal maintenance and street
Maintenance
and Multimodal
Balance
Oakland, CA
NCHRP Report 797
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Policy/Program Description Plan Goal Examples
improvement projects to minimize installation costs.1
When combined with models that predict where
walking and bicycling would be expected, count data
can also identify locations where people are expected
to travel by these modes but do not, often due to a
lack of infrastructure. Coordinate with regional
planning and transit agencies and adjacent
municipalities to ensure consistency in methodologies
(e.g., same time periods, equipment calibration, and
data formats) and include metadata on count
conditions (e.g., weather, construction, events) for
context.
Walking and
Rolling Count
Program
(Aggregated
Data)
To complement physical counters and enhance
citywide data coverage, the City could purchase or
subscribe to aggregate mobility datasets from
companies like StreetLight Data and Replica, which
provide insights derived from anonymized GPS,
cellular, and location-based services data. These
datasets can provide a broader understanding of
walking and biking patterns, helping to identify
underserved neighborhoods or emerging trends in
travel behavior. Conduct regular validation of
aggregated data against manually collected data.
Safety,
Maintenance,
and Multimodal
Balance
San Francisco, CA
1 For example, the GridSmart SMARTMOUNT Bell Camera may be configured on existing poles at intersections to count people walking and rolling as they cross, with subscription to an additional software module.
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Appendix: Existing Cupertino Policy Recommendations
General Plan Mobility Element
The City of Cupertino General Plan Mobility Element, adopted in 2015 and updated in 2024, outlines goals, policies, and strategies for transportation network improvements necessary to accommodate Cupertino's anticipated growth. The Element aims to make alternative modes of transportation attractive choices, helping to reduce strain on the automobile network and improve the health and quality of life for residents and businesses.
Regional Coordination
• Regional Transportation Planning: Participate in regional transportation planning processes to develop programs consistent with the goals and policies of Cupertino’s General Plan and to minimize adverse impacts on the City’s circulation system. Work with neighboring cities to address regional transportation and land use issues of mutual interest.
• Citywide VMT Reduction: Framework for reducing VMT citywide includes limiting parking supply and implementing a citywide bikeshare program.
• Regional Trail Development: Continue to plan and provide for a comprehensive system of trails and pathways consistent with regional systems, including the Bay Trail, Stevens Creek Corridor, and Ridge Trail.
Complete Streets
• Street Design: Adopt and maintain street design standards to optimize mobility for all transportation modes, including automobiles, walking, bicycling, and transit. • Adjacent Land Use: Design roadway alignments, lane widths, medians, parking and bicycle lanes, crosswalks, and sidewalks to complement adjacent land uses in keeping with the vision of the Planning Area. Strive to minimize adverse impacts and expand alternative transportation options for all Planning Areas (Special Areas and Neighborhoods). Improvement standards shall also consider the urban, suburban, and rural environments found within the City. • Connectivity: Promote pedestrian and bicycle improvements that improve connectivity between planning areas, neighborhoods and services, and foster a sense of community. • Community Impacts: Reduce traffic impacts and support alternative modes of transportation rather than constructing barriers to mobility. Do not close streets unless there is a demonstrated safety or overwhelming through-traffic problem and there are no acceptable alternatives, since street closures move the problem from one street to another.
• Traffic Calming: Consider the implementation of best practices on streets to reduce speeds and make them user-friendly for alternative modes of transportation, including pedestrians and bicyclists.
Walkability and Bikeability
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan: Adopt and maintain a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan that outlines policies and improvements to streets, the extension of trails, and pathways to create a safe way for people of all ages to bike and walk on a daily basis. • Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossings: Enhance pedestrian and bicycle crossings and pathways at key • locations across physical barriers such as creeks, highways, and road barriers. • Development: Require new development and redevelopment to increase connectivity through direct and safe pedestrian connections to public amenities, neighborhoods, and shopping and employment destinations throughout the city.
• Street Widths: Preserve and enhance citywide pedestrian and bike connectivity by limiting street widening purely for automobiles as a means of improving traffic flow. • Curb Cuts: Minimize the number and width of driveway openings.
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• Capital Improvement Program: Plan for improvements to pedestrian and bicycle facilities and eliminate gaps along the pedestrian and bicycle network as part of the City’s Capital Improvement Program. • Bicycle Parking: Require new development and redevelopment to provide public and private bicycle parking.
• Outreach: Actively engage the community in promoting walking and bicycling through education, encouragement, and outreach on improvement projects and programs. • Spaces for Pedestrians: Require parking lots to include clearly defined paths for pedestrians, providing a safe route to building entrances.
• Proactive Enforcement: Prioritize enforcement of traffic speeds and regulations on all streets with bike lanes, bike routes, and around schools.
Transit
• Access to Transit Services: Support right-of-way design and amenities consistent with local transit goals to improve transit as a viable alternative to driving.
• Transit Facilities with new development: Work with VTA and/or major developments to ensure all new development projects include amenities to support public transit, including bus stop shelters, space for transit vehicles as appropriate, and attractive amenities such as trash receptacles, signage, seating, and lighting.
• Vallco Shopping District Transfer Station: Work with VTA and/or other transportation service organizations to study and develop a transit transfer station that incorporates a hub for alternative transportation services such as car sharing, bike sharing, and/ or other services.
Safe Routes to School
• Safe Routes to School: Promote Safe Routes to Schools programs for all schools serving the city. • Prioritize Projects: Ensure that bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements include projects to enhance safe accessibility to schools.
• Connections to Trails: Connect schools to the citywide trail system. • Education: Support education programs that promote safe walking and bicycling to schools.
Transportation Impact Analysis
• Protected Intersections: Consider adopting a Protected Intersection Policy, which would identify intersections where improvements would not be considered, which would degrade levels of service for non-vehicular modes of transportation. Potential locations include intersections in Priority Development Areas (PDAs) and other areas where non-vehicular transportation is a key consideration, such as near shopping districts, schools, parks, and senior citizen developments.
Roadway System Efficiency
• Street Width: Except as required by environmental review for new developments, limit widening of streets as a means of improving traffic efficiency and focus instead on operational improvements to preserve community character.
Transportation Infrastructure
• Transportation Improvement Plan: Develop and implement an updated citywide transportation improvement plan necessary to accommodate vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle transportation improvements to meet the City’s needs.
• Multimodal Improvements: Integrate the financing, design, and construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities with street projects. Build pedestrian and bicycle improvements at the same time as improvements for vehicular circulation to enable travelers to transition from one mode of transportation to another (e.g., bicycle to bus).
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Bicycle Transportation Plan
The 2016 Bicycle Transportation Plan provided a vision and specific steps to create safer and more comfortable conditions for people to bike in Cupertino. The Plan included the following relevant recommended policies:
• Policy 1.A.1: Support and expand the City of Cupertino Safe Routes to School program. • Policy 1.A.2: Partner with the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition to offer routine adult and family bicycle education classes in Cupertino.
• Policy 1.B.1: Incorporate messaging in all City media that promotes the benefits of active lifestyles and raises awareness of walking and bicycling facilities in the community. • Policy 1.C.1: Partner with tourism and economic development agencies to promote Cupertino as a destination for active recreation and active lifestyles. • Policy 1.C.2: Create a Bicycle Friendly Business program to recognize and promote bicycle-friendly businesses in Cupertino.
• Policy 1.C.3: Collaborate with county and regional partners to create bikeway connections to the local tourism generators and to promote active recreation in the region. • Policy 1.D.1: Work with Santa Clara County Sherriff’s Office to review collision locations and ‘close call’ reports and identify locations for increased enforcement of motorist and bicyclist behavior. • Policy 1.E.1: Review the Bicycle Transportation Plan performance measures at regular intervals to review progress and update priorities as necessary.
• Policy 1.E.2: Conduct bicycle counts citywide at regular intervals to better understand the profile of residents bicycling in Cupertino as well as measure the impacts of newly implemented infrastructure and programs.
• Policy 2.A.1: Annually review the number, locations, and contributing factors of bicycle-related collisions to identify and implement ongoing improvements at collision locations throughout the transportation network.
• Policy 2.A.2: Identify opportunities to reduce bicyclist exposure by reducing locations or lengths of conflict areas with vehicles or by providing dedicated and separated facilities where feasible. • Policy 2.A.3: Adopt a Vision Zero policy to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2026. • Policy 2.A.4: Study the need for 15 mph School Zone speed limits and adopt in appropriate locations by 2020.
• Policy 2.A.5: Develop a City policy for the regular documentation of bike facility quality and maintenance of bicycle facilities throughout the City.
• Policy 3.A.1: Implement the recommendations from this Bicycle Transportation Plan Update. • Policy 3.A.2: Integrate bicycle facilities as part of the design and construction of upgrades or resurfacing of all existing roadways.
• Policy 3.B.1: Create a low-stress network in parallel to the arterial bikeway network, providing an alternative that is appealing to residents of all ages and abilities. • Policy 3.B.2: Upgrade and improve the existing arterial bikeway network to increase bicyclist comfort and lower barriers for more risk-averse users.
• Policy 3.B.3: Develop a citywide wayfinding system, providing access to appropriate locations such as employment centers, schools, and commercial centers.
• Policy 3.B.4: Prioritize the installation of bicycle parking in the public right-of-way at key commercial and retail destinations.
Pedestrian Transportation Plan
The ensuing 2018 Pedestrian Transportation Plan provides a vision and specific steps for creating an inviting, safe, and connected pedestrian network. The plan establishes a framework for developing and maintaining pedestrian facilities and recommends policies, programs, and messaging to promote walking. That includes the following relevant recommended policies:
Infrastructure and Operations
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• Develop/adopt a Complete Streets Design Manual
• Design standard speeds in pedestrian areas do not require a routine need for traffic calming • Adopt a Complete Streets internal checklist
• Formalize traffic calming practices
• Reconsider speed limit criteria
• 15 mph zones near schools, parks, community facilities, or senior housing • Establish an accessible design checklist
Evaluation and Planning
• Include pedestrian and bicycle counts as a routine element of motor vehicle counts • Conduct pedestrian and bicycle counts for the planning/evaluation of the City's trail system
Education and Enforcement
• Continue promoting walking and biking through the SR2S program • Develop/implement targeted safety campaigns for other groups (adults, seniors, drivers)
Project Implementation
• Secure funding for broader education efforts
• Continue to collaborate with related and adjacent agencies • Explore opportunities for improving coordination with major employers • Develop a line item in the CIP for implementation of the PTP Vision Zero Action Plan
Finally, the 2024 Vision Zero Action Plan focused on broad strategies and actions aimed at eliminating severe injuries and fatalities on the City’s transportation network. Of particular note, it identified a High Injury Network (HIN) and a set of High Injury Intersections (HII) based on collision history. This set of HIN and HII areas should be priorities for targeted investment of many of the recommendations in this memo. Robust community engagement on this plan resulted in the following relevant recommended policies:
• A.1 - Establish a Vision Zero Task Force
• A.2 - Identify sustainable funding sources for a Vision Zero program • A.6 - Integrate Vision Zero safety principles into forthcoming City plans and design documents • A.8 - Continue monitoring existing speed limits on City streets in accordance with the changes made by AB 43 to further lower speeds
• A.12 - Set up periodic pedestrian and cyclist counts at standardized locations • B.2 - Create a carefully ranked roster of extra safety projects • B.3 - Install quick, light, and adaptable projects proven to achieve real, tangible benefits (Quick-Build projects)
• B.6 - Update signal timing plans to enhance safety for all modes of transportation, which may include adjustments to all-red intervals and pedestrian crossing times. • B.8 - Create an internal procedure for evaluating and implementing Vision Zero countermeasures on projects located within the HIN
• B.9 - When identifying safety enhancements, ensure countermeasures align with the City's Complete Streets policy
• D.1 - Implement the 2016 Bicycle Transportation Plan
• D.2 - Prioritize pedestrian crossing improvements on the High Injury Network • D.3 - Complete projects that enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety at intersections with turning vehicles • D.4 - Develop and maintain an Active Transportation Plan • D.5 - Install high-visibility crosswalks in proximity to schools. • D.6 - Develop a comprehensive Safe Routes to Schools Plan