RESOLUTION NO. 2 - 24
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION, CITY OF PLEASANT HILL,
FINDING THE CITY OF PLEASANT HILL BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN
IS CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY OF PLEASANT HILL GENERAL PLAN WHEREAS, the City's Engineering Division within the Public Works & Community Development Department has prepared a draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan; and WHEREAS, the 2040 General Plan Transportation and Circulation Element identifies several visions and goals related to the development of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan; and WHEREAS, the Transportation Safety Commission evaluated the proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and recommended it for approval by the City Council at its regularly scheduled meeting on December 6, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission evaluated the proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan to determine consistency with the City's General Plan in accordance with section 65401 of the Government Code; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 21080.20 and 21080.25 of the California Public Resources Code, the lead agency has determined with certainty that the proposed activity is exempt under CEQA as the statute states that bicycle transportation plans for urbanized areas that include restriping of streets, bicycle parking and storage, signal timing and related signage for bicycles, pedestrians, and vehicles are exempt. Additionally, the plan is a bicycle and pedestrian plan that promotes and encourages people to choose foot-powered travel modes, i.e., walking, bicycling, or rolling; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed the draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan at its regularly scheduled meeting on January 23, 2024, where all persons interested therein had an opportunity to appear and be heard.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of the City of Pleasant Hill finds that the proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is consistent with the City's General Plan based on the following findings:
The draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan implements policies, programs and goals contained in the Transportation and Circulation Element such as:
a. Transportation and Circulation Goal TC-1. Establish and maintain a safe and efficient circulation system that emphasizes the use of existing arterial and collector roadways, paths, and bike lanes.
b. Transportation and Circulation Goal TC-4. Reduce congestion and vehicle trips through land use planning.
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i. Transportation and Circulation Policy TC-4.1. Transportation Mode Mix: Plan for appropriate mix of transportation modes and the infrastructure to support these modes to meet community needs. c. Transportation and Circulation Goal TC-5. Support a vibrant walkable environment that encourages alternative (non-driving) modes of transportation.
d. Transportation and Circulation Goal TC-6. Reduce reliance on the automobile by promoting alternative modes of transportation.
Transportation and Circulation Goal TC-8. Encourage the development of a comprehensive and integrated transportation network with infrastructure and design features that allow safe and convenient travel along and across streets for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial goods, users and operators of public transportation, seniors, youth, and families.
f. Transportation and Circulation Goal TC-10. Provide well designed and well- maintained off-street paths and trails.
g. Transportation and Circulation Goal TC-11. Increase the number of bicycle and pedestrian trips by users of all ages and abilities. h. Transportation and Circulation Goal TC-13. Reduce congestion and vehicle trips through non-automobile transportation.
The proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan strives to encourage more people to walk and bicycle by implementing supportive infrastructure and programs. The plan identifies bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements that incorporate current policies and design standards for bicycle and pedestrian accommodation. These improvements are not solely aimed at those who are already comfortable riding on the streets and roads of Pleasant Hill. They are also intended for those that are interested in riding but are uncomfortable on higher speed busier roads without physical separation from vehicles. The recommended bikeway network includes high-comfort separated bikeways and shared use paths suitable for a wide range of people. Build- out of the recommended bike and pedestrian networks identified in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan will provide new and enhanced connections to key destinations such as Downtown, Diablo Valley College, existing trails, schools, and parks that will allow more people to make more of these trips by walking or biking. i. Transportation and Circulation Goal TC-2. Improve traffic circulation along the city roadway network.
i. Transportation and Circulation Policy TC-2.6. Safe Routes to School (SR2S): Establish a Safe Routes to School program in collaboration with the school districts and private schools that identifies and promotes suggested routes to school and incentivizes students and parents to use alternative transportation modes for school commutes.
The proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan includes goals, policies and projects focused on Safe Routes to School and supports development of school specific plans.
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Many of the projects identified in the Plan support walking and biking to school by implementing supportive infrastructure.
j. Transportation and Circulation Goal TC-9. Prioritize a safe and connected pedestrian network for users of all ages and abilities.
K. Transportation and Circulation Goal TC-12. Strive to eliminate all fatal and serious injury bicycle and pedestrian-related crashes.
The proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan includes goals, policies and projects focused on improvements for bicycle and pedestrian safety. The plan strives to eliminate all fatal and serious injury bicycle and pedestrian-related crashes by implementing supportive infrastructure and programs. The plan includes both proactive implementation of safety improvements through proposed projects as well as ongoing monitoring of crashes to ensure the City is making progress towards this goal. Specific safety enhancements include consistent and appropriate implementation of bicycle and pedestrian roadway crossings and bikeway improvements that are appropriate for the type of roadway including multi-use paths and separated bikeways.
2. The draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan implements policies, programs, and goals contained in the Economics and Economy Element such as:
a. Economics Goal E-6. Encourage the development and expansion of critical communications and transportation infrastructure.
i. Economics Policy E-6.3. Active Transportation: Promote the use of the City's trail systems to increase pedestrian and bike travel, particularly for local work trips. Develop circulation designs in mixed-use districts, including Downtown, to promote pedestrian access and bike/scooter travel.
The proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan strives to encourage more people to walk and bicycle by implementing supportive infrastructure and programs. The plan identifies bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements that connect to, and expand, the City's trail system including extension of the EBMUD trail to Downtown, connections to the Iron Horse Trail along Coggins Drive and Monument Boulevard, and a new trail on Gregory Lane to connect the Canal Trail, Pleasant Hill Park, the Senior Center, and Downtown. This expanded trail network connected to key destinations will become a viable option for local trips by bike and by foot.
3. The draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan implements policies, programs, and goals contained in the Land Use Element such as:
a. Land Use Goal LU-1. Promote a city image that reflects the community's diversity, inclusivity, forward-thinking, and high quality of life. i. Land Use Policy LU-1.9. Connectivity Between Existing and New Development: Encourage linking new development to existing development, parks, and trails through the creation of internal Resolution No. 2 - 24
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circulation systems that allow travel by foot, bicycles, vehicles, and other alternative modes of travel.
b. Land Use Goal LU-3. To provide a variety of housing types that offer choices •
for Pleasant Hill residents and create complete, livable neighborhoods. i. Land Use Policy LU-3.4. Neighborhood Access: Ensure that new residential development includes safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle access to existing residential neighborhoods.
c. Land Use Goal LU-4. To ensure that commercial and mixed-use development in the city is consistent with the overall community character and serves the existing and future needs of residents and visitors.
Land Use Policy LU-4.3. Neighborhood Connectivity: Encourage commercial and mixed-use development to link to adjoining residential neighborhoods by incorporating well-designed and attractive streetscapes with sidewalks, bicycle paths, and street amenities.
d. Land Use Goal LU-7. Improve the health and well-being of all Pleasant Hill residents.
i. Land Use Policy LU-7.2. Alternative Transportation Improvements:
Support new development and infrastructure improvements in existing neighborhoods that enable and encourage people to drive less and walk, bike, and take public transit more.
ii. Land Use Policy LU-7.3. Remove Physical Barriers: Remove or plan for ways to address physical barriers that bisect neighborhoods and discourage walking or biking.
The proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan strives to encourage more people to walk and bicycle by implementing supportive infrastructure and programs. The plan identifies bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements that connect neighborhoods by closing gaps in the active transportation network, making it easier to walk and bike between areas of the City.
New development projects will be reviewed in conjunction with the bicycle and pedestrian networks identified in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan to ensure projects are implemented that will provide new and improved access for people walking and biking.
e. Land Use Goal LU-6. Create distinct and identifiable places for future development within Pleasant Hill that enhance community character, prosperity, and civic pride.
i. Land Use Policy LU-6.4 (Diablo Valley College). Enhanced Connectivity: Support the expansion of alternative transportation options including enhancements to the multi-use trail, expanded bike lanes along Golf Club Road, and additional connections between new and existing development.
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The proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan proposes separated bikeways on Golf Club Road and Viking Drive and a multi-use path extension along the east side of Diablo Valley College that will provide high-comfort bicycle access to campus. ii. Land Use Policy LU-6.16 (Downtown Pleasant Hill). Walkable Environment: Enhance the pedestrian connections between Downtown, Crescent Drive, City Hall, and adjacent commercial centers along Contra Costa Boulevard.
iii. Land Use Policy LU-6.27 (Contra Costa Boulevard). Pedestrian Oriented Development: Support the transformation of existing auto- boulevard.
The proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan identifies specific pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure projects in Downtown Pleasant Hill, Contra Costa Boulevard, Gregory Lane, and Monument Boulevard. Improvements include high-comfort bicycle and pedestrian facilities such as shared-use paths, separated bikeways, and sidewalk gap closures. New multi-use paths on Gregory Lane and Monument Boulevard will provide enhanced bicycle and pedestrian connections between Downtown, the Canal Trail, EBMUD Trail, and Iron Horse Trail. Separated bikeways on Contra Costa Boulevard will create new bikeable connections and other commercial, residential, and recreational centers.
iv. Land Use Policy LU-6.34 (Gregory Lane). Transform Gregory Lane:
Support the transformation of Gregory Lane into an attractive streetscape that includes neighborhood-serving
developments with active frontages facing the street, wider sidewalks, expanded bicycle lanes, and consistent landscaping.
v. Land Use Policy LU-6.37 (Gregory Lane). Pedestrian Friendly Design: Encourage the expansion of Gregory Lane pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to create a friendlier multi-modal environment that increases overall safety.
The proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan proposes a new multi-use path on Gregory Lane to improve pedestrian and bicycle access between the Canal Trail, Downtown, Pleasant Hill Park, and the Pleasant Hill Senior Center. The plan identifies Greogry Lane as a study corridor to develop appropriate design elements that will improve multimodal access and increase safety for all users. vi. Land Use Policy LU-6.40 (Taylor Boulevard). Safety Enhancements:
Promote Taylor Boulevard safety enhancements for pedestrians and cyclists to lessen and mitigate potential vehicular collisions.
The proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan proposes separated bikeways along the entire length of Taylor Boulevard within the City limits, providing people on bikes with physical separation from higher speed vehicles. The Plan proposes closing Resolution No. 2 - 24
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sidewalk gaps on Taylor Boulevard near Contra Costa Boulevard to improve pedestrian connectivity. The Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan also proposes a new direct crossing for the Canal Trail that would be signalized and improve conditions for people continuing on the trail across Taylor Boulevard. vii. Land Use Policy LU-6.45 (Oak Park Boulevard). EBMUD Trail Connections: Encourage the connectivity of new Oak Park Boulevard development to the EBMUD Trail.
The proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan proposes separated bikeways on Oak Park Boulevard, providing high-comfort bicycle connections between the Pleasant Hill Library, the EBMUD Trail, across Interstate 680 and down to the Iron Horse Trail along Coggins Drive.
viii. Land Use Policy LU-6.48 (Monument Boulevard). Pedestrian Connectivity: Require Monument Boulevard pedestrian upgrades including signalized crossings, bulb outs, and expanded sidewalks. ix. Land Use Policy LU-6.52 (Monument Boulevard). Iron Horse Trail Connections: Support and encourage new Monument Boulevard developments to provide secondary access and additional connections to the Iron Horse Trail.
The proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan proposes a multi-use path on Monument Boulevard that will provide enhanced bicycle and pedestrian connections between Downtown, the EBMUD Trail, and the Iron Horse Trail, as well as connect to the proposed Gregory Lane multi-use path.
4. The draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan implements policies, programs, and goals contained in the Environment Element such as:
a. Environment Goal ENV-8. Become a low carbon community that strives to exceed State GHG reduction goals by 2040.
i. Environment Policy ENV-8.4. Land Use and Transportation Priorities: Support land uses and transportation improvements that prioritize alternative transportation modes that will reduce the number and length of automobile trips.
The proposed Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan strives to encourage more people to walk and bicycle by implementing supportive infrastructure and programs. The plan identifies bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements that incorporate current policies and design standards for bicycle and pedestrian accommodation, including expanded high-comfort bikeways like shared-use paths and separated bikeways.
ADOPTED by the Planning Commission, City of Pleasant Hill, on the 23rd day of January, 2024, by the following vote:
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AYES: Cheney, Chiang, Field, Key, Khalfin, Vavrek, Wyler NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
TROY FÚJ, Secretary
Planning Commission