TO: TRANSPORTATION AND FROM: Bicycle and Pedestrian
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Advisory Committee
SUBJECT: Climate Adaptation and DATE: 1/26/26
Resilience Plan
Honorable City Councilmembers:
The San José Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) supports the City of San José’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan and urges the Transportation and Environment Committee to prioritize (1) shaded infrastructure for pedestrians and (2) flood control and climate-resilient design along major bicycle pathways. These elements are essential for protecting public health, maintaining mobility during extreme weather, and ensuring equitable access to active transportation as climate impacts intensify.
Importance of Shaded Areas for Pedestrians
Extreme heat poses a growing risk to pedestrians, particularly seniors, children, outdoor workers, and residents without access to air-conditioned vehicles. Shaded sidewalks, trails, and public spaces—through trees, shade structures, and climate-appropriate landscaping—can significantly reduce surface and ambient temperatures. These measures improve walkability, encourage mode shift away from car travel, and directly support public health and equity goals.
Drainage and Clearing of Major Bike Pathways
Bicycle infrastructure is most effective when it remains safe and usable year-round.
Flood-prone bike corridors can become impassable during storms, disrupting commutes and discouraging cycling as a reliable transportation option. They remain impassable after storms due to drainage issues. Integrating flood control strategies—such as improved drainage, permeable surfaces, green infrastructure, and setback design—into major bike pathways will increase system resilience, protect investments, and support San José’s climate and transportation objectives.
Recommendations
We respectfully urge the Committee to:
1. Affirm strong support for the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan
2. Ensure that shaded pedestrian infrastructure is a core consideration in transportation and streetscape projects
3. Prioritize flood-resilient design and green infrastructure along major bicycle corridors, especially those serving daily commuters and underserved communities
These comments were appoved unanimously at the Janaury 26th, 2026 BPAC meeting.
Sincerely,
Jordan Moldow, Chairperson