City of Sunnyvale
Meeting Minutes - Draft
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
6:30 PM Telepresence Meeting: City Web StreamThursday, June 16, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to Government Code Subdivision 54953(e), the meeting was conducted telephonically; pursuant to state law, the City Council made the necessary findings by adopting Resolution No. 1089-21, reaffirmed on May 24, 2022.
Chair Mehlinger called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. via teleconference.
ROLL CALL
Chair Richard Mehlinger
Vice Chair Leia Mehlman
Commissioner Alex Bonne
Commissioner Arwen Davé
Commissioner Dan Hafeman
Commissioner Timothy Oey
Present 6 -
Lillian Tsang, Principal Transportation Engineer and Thinh Le, Transportation Engineer attended via teleconference.
Council Liaison Spitaleri (present)
PRESENTATION
A 22-0670 Recognition of Service
Tony Spitaleri, City Council Member, thanked all of the BPAC members for their service.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Public Comment opened at 6:38 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 6:38 p.m.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comment opened at 6:39 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 6:39 p.m.
1.A 22-0635
Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission Meeting
Minutes of May 19, 2022.
Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission Meeting Minutes of May 19, 2022 as submitted.
Vice Chair Mehlman moved and Commissioner Hafeman seconded the motion to approve item 1.A.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes Chair Mehlinger
Vice Chair Mehlman
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Davé
Commissioner Hafeman
Commissioner Oey
6 -
No 0
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2 22-0671 Review Complete Streets Checklist for OBAG 3 Applications Lillian Tsang, Principal Transportation Engineer, and Angela Obeso, Principal Transportation Engineer, gave a presentation on the eleven One Bay Area Grant Program Cycle 3 (OBAG 3) applications and the Complete Streets Checklists for the BPAC to review. The following topics were discussed.
- Santa Clara County - Targeted funding amount of $91 million - Santa Clara County OBAG 3 Application schedule
- OBAG 3 Application 1 - Caltrain Grade Separation at Mary Avenue - OBAG 3 Application 2 - Caltrain Grade Separation at Sunnyvale Avenue - OBAG 3 Application 3 - Stevens Creek Trail Extension
- OBAG 3 Application 4 - Bernardo Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Undercrossing - OBAG 3 Application 5 - Sunnyvale Safe Routes to School Improvements
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- OBAG 3 Application 6 - Sunnyvale Traffic Signal Upgrades - OBAG 3 Application 7 - ITS Systems and Fiber Optics Communications Improvements
- OBAG 3 Application 8 - Slurry Seal 2025 B-OBAG 3
- OBAG 3 Application 9 - Pavement Rehabilitation 2025-OBAG 3 - OBAG 3 Application 10 - Slurry Seal 2026-OBAG 3
- OBAG 3 Application 11 - Pavement Rehabilitation 2026-OBAG 3 Public Comment opened at 7:00 p.m.
Sharlene Liu, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Mary Avenue and Sunnyvale Avenue Grade Separation Projects that are going to be built under the Caltrain railroad tracks
- Design Evelyn Trail with the Mary Avenue/Sunnvyale Avenue Grade Separation Projects
Bryce Beagle, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Agreed with Sharlene Liu's comments
- Implications of submitting checklist without getting approval from City Council - Sunnyvale Safe Routes to School Improvements - adding funding for raised crosswalks and intersections as well as the other improvements - Concerns in the proposal for the Caltrain Grade Separation with the Class II bike lane going underneath Mary Avenue
Christian Klingner, member of the public, commented on the following:
- What are the Mary Avenue and Sunnyvale Avenue Grade Separation projects trying to accomplish
- No need for the Caltrain Separation at Mary Avenue and Sunnyvale Avenue with the implementation of High Speed Rail
Alon Golan, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Tunnels are helpful on Bernardo and Sunnyvale Avenue
- Do not use Homer Avenue in Palo Alto as an example for the design of the new tunnels
- Would like to see improvements around the Middle schools and High schools in the City
Public Comment closed at 7:06 p.m.
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Vice Chair Mehlman commented and asked about the following:
- Thanked staff for preparing 11 applications and for the presentation - What stage must projects be to in order to place an application? - Is this in addition to the existing budgeted slurry seal projects? Ms. Tsang addressed the question.
Commissioner Bonne commented and asked about the following:
- Thanked staff for the applications and the presentation - How many applications are expected to get approved?
- Correction on page 3 on Mary Avenue regarding a reference on the safety and comfort list. Same paragraph was listed on both Mary Avenue and Sunnyvale/Evelyn Avenue underpass
- Helpful to list the quantity and type of accidents on Mary Avenue and Sunnyvale/Evelyn Avenue
- Caltrain Grade Separation at Mary Avenue and Caltrain Grade Separation at Sunnyvale Avenue are going to be very expensive projects with very limited benefit - Remove some car lanes at the intersection rather than build under/over crossings - Mass transit is an important aspect of our transportation network - Recommends to spend the money on how to separate the cars and bicycles on these intersections instead of an overpass or underpass which would greatly improve the interactions at these intersections
- Approves of the Stevens Creek Trail Extension
- Would like to see the Middle/High Schools included in the Safe Routes to School Improvements
- Regarding Safe Routes to School will the reduction of the radii of the corners of the intersection to force cars to turn more slowly be implemented? - Instead of improving pavement on Fair Oaks/Wolfe Rd., should reduce the number of lanes devoted to cars and increase to devote to bicycles - Approves of the Class II bike lane on Bernardo Avenue Ms. Tsang addressed the questions.
Commissioner Oey asked and commented on the following:
- Breakdown of what each project costs
- Can you answer questions that the public has?
- Are the traffic signal updates and fiber optic updates primarily helping bicyclists and pedestrians or vehicles?
- What is an adaptive system for bikes and pedestrians?
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- Is there an option to put in bike lanes on the portion of Wolfe Road that does not have bike lanes? Is the Road Diet in the Active Transportation Plan? Ms. Obeso and Ms. Tsang addressed the questions.
Commissioner Hafeman asked and commented on the following:
- Is the list in any order?
- Are the Caltrain Grade Separation at Mary Avenue and Caltrain Grade Separation at Sunnyvale Avenue application to apply for money just for bicycle and pedestrian facilities or is the money going into a pot for the entire construction? - Recorded meeting on June 9 about the Caltrain Grade Separation at Mary Avenue and Sunnyvale Avenue
- A lot of accidents at grade crossings
- How were the locations picked for the Sunnyvale Safe Routes to School Improvements, Sunnyvale Traffic Signal Upgrades and the ITS Systems and Fiber Optics Communications Improvements?
Ms. Tsang and Ms. Obeso addressed the questions.
Commissioner Davé asked and commented on the following:
- Clarification on what applications will use the money for design not construction - Thanked staff for getting more funding for bike facilities - Are we checking the checklist for accuracy?
Ms. Tsang addressed the questions and stated that the BPAC's role for tonight's meeting is to review the checklist to ensure that staff are implementing improvements that would provide improvements for different users of the road.
Chair Mehlinger asked and commented on the following:
- Grade Separation is important because of Caltrain electrification and high speed rail
- What does the pavement rehabilitation entail?
- Corridor repainting
- Sharrows on Fair Oaks/Wolfe Avenue are inappropriate and reduce safety - Recommends removing sharrow on Fair Oaks Avenue
- Street parking on arterials on Fair Oaks Avenue and Mathilda Avenue - Is there a program to improve streets when resurfaced? - How much money is the City expecting to get from OBAG?
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Ms. Tsang addressed the questions.
Commissioner Oey commented on the following:
- Not meeting the complete street objectives with the projects on Fair Oaks Avenue and Wolfe Road
- Maude Avenue is meeting the complete streets objective - Resurfacing roadways will not reduce the level of stress on bicyclists Ms. Tsang addressed the question.
Chair Mehlinger asked if it is the belief of a commissioner that a project on this list does not meet the safe streets standards, is there an action that would be appropriate for that commissioner to take during this meeting? Ms. Tsang stated it is appropriate for the BPAC to make an action.
Chair Mehlinger asked the BPAC if they would like to have an informal discussion on the Fair Oaks, Wolfe and Mathilda projects.
Vice Chair Mehlman commented on the following:
- A slurry seal project that does not add bicycle or pedestrian infrastructure should not be considered
- Physical improvements to make it safer for pedestrians to cross busy streets - Should not approve the project if not adding bike lanes Commissioner Oey commented on the following:
- Slurry Seal 2025 OBAG 3 that includes Duane Ave., San Miguel Ave., Ahwanee Ave., Borregas Ave. and Wolfe Rd. do not have anything implemented from the Active Transportation Plan
Chair Mehlinger asked if the 2025 OBAG 3 has any Complete Streets improvements? Ms. Tsang stated there are not any particular bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements in this project.
Vice Char Mehlman commented on the following:
- 2025 OBAG 3 - section 3, safety and comfort should be "No" for section B - Improving street surface is not enough
Chair Mehlinger commented on the following:
- Slurry Seal 2025 - improving cracked pavement - not good enough
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- Item 5 on checklist does not meet the professional design standards on Wolfe Road at best a "maybe"
Commissioner Davé commented on the following:
- Fixing potholes takes away another distraction from drivers and from bicyclists Ms. Tsang stated that the Complete Streets Checklist is to ensure that everything is considered when projects are selected. Also, the checklist is a guide to look into the various items that should be considered when selecting a project.
Vice Chair Mehlman stated the Commission does not agree with the assessment of the checklist which is the purpose of the review.
MOTION: Commissioner Oey moved and Commissioner Hafeman seconded that the Complete Streets Checklist recommend for Slurry Seal 2025 B OBAG 3 project be modified as follows:
- Item 1 should be changed from a "Yes" to a "No" because it is not implementing any plans in the ATP
- 3B should be changed to "No" because it does not improve the safety or comfort of bicyclist or pedestrians to make it a complete streets
- Item 5 should be a "No" based on current understanding of what should be required for these types of facilities to handle bicycles and pedestrians Commissioner Oey commented on the following:
- Is ok with someone making a friendly amendment to take out Item 5 - Doesn't feel comfortable saying "Yes" to item 5 in respect to the complete streets aspect
- Feels strongly about Item 1 and 3B that the objective of the complete streets in not being met due to the street not being complete
Commissioner Hafeman commented on the following:
- Agrees with Commissioner Oey's comments and supports the motion Vice Chair Mehlman commented on the following:
- Item 5 - design standards
- Agrees with Commissioner Oey's comments that item 5 should be a "No" Chair Mehlinger commented on the following:
- Item 5 - Does not meet professional standards according to NACTO guidelines so
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feels strongly that Item 5 should be "No"
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Commissioner Oey would like to change item 6(will project improve Active Transportation in an equity priority community) to a "No".
This does not improve active transportation. Commissioner Hafeman does not accept the friendly amendment because we aren't criticizing it because it's discriminating against neighborhoods.
MOTION: Commissioner Oey moved and Commissioner Hafeman seconded that the Complete Streets Checklist for Slurry Seal 2025 B OBAG 3 project be modified as follows:
- Item 1 should be changed from a "Yes" to a "No" because it is not implementing any plans in the ATP
- 3B should be changed to "No" because it does not improve the safety or comfort of bicyclist or pedestrians to make it a complete streets
- Item 5 should be a "No" based on current understanding of what should be required for these types of facilities to handle bicycles and pedestrians The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes Chair Mehlinger
Vice Chair Mehlman
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Davé
Commissioner Hafeman
Commissioner Oey
6 -
No 0
MOTION: Vice Chair Mehlman moved and Chair Mehlinger seconded to have Slurry Seal 2026 B OBAG 3, section 3, question B specify the bike lane improvements on Bernardo Avenue as the rationale for proving these low stress facilities.
Vice Chair Mehlman stated that the rationale of pavement conditions does not speak to pedestrians or cyclists conditions in the most important way that the Slurry Seal project is proposing and the actual addition or marking of a bike lane is more important.
Chair Mehlinger stated that he agrees with Vice Chair Mehlmans comments and that
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he has concerns that the Mathilda Avenue segment of this project doesn't meaningfully contribute to bicycle and pedestrian complete streets. Class II bike lanes on Mathilda Avenue next to parked cars are not safe. Does not think that the bike lanes meet the professional standards on item 5.
Commissioner Bonne agrees with Chair Mehlinger's comments.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Chair Mehlinger would like to list the bike lane classes on Item 5 by segment. Indicate that we are not improving bike lane infrastructure beyond repaving on Mathilda Avenue. Vice Chair Mehlman accepts the friendly amendment.
Commissioner Oey commented on the following:
- Making sure the complete streets checklist is complete for all users on the streets not just vehicles
The amendment carried with the following vote:
Yes Chair Mehlinger
Vice Chair Mehlman
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Davé
Commissioner Hafeman
Commissioner Oey
6 -
No 0
MOTION: Chair Mehlinger moved and Commissioner Oey seconded that on Pavement Rehabilitation 2026, item 5 changed from "Yes" to "No" with the indication that sharrows on Fair Oaks Avenue would not meet standards today.
Commissioner Oey stated there needs to be well engineered facilities for cyclists that meet the current standards.
The motion carried with the following vote:
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Yes Chair Mehlinger
Vice Chair Mehlman
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Davé
Commissioner Hafeman
Commissioner Oey
6 -
No 0
Chair Mehlinger called for a recess at 8:48 p.m. Chair Mehlinger reconvened the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
3 22-0672
Report and Discussion of Recent Santa Clara Valley
Transportation Authority (VTA) Bicycle and Pedestrian
Advisory Committee (BPAC) Meeting
Commissioner Oey, VTA BPAC Sunnyvale Representative, gave the meeting summary report regarding the following topics:
- VTA BPAC recommended that the VTA Board of Directors adopt updated program category guidelines for the nine 2016 Measure B Program Categories. VTA BPAC approved staff's recommendation unanimously
- Presentation on Metropolitan Transportation Commission's (MTC) updated Complete Streets Policy and Complete Streets Checklist. - New checklist can be found
https://mtc.ca.gov/planning/transportation/complete-streets - Complete Streets Policy
- Complete Streets Implementation and Exceptions
- Signature required by department Director if there are exemptions - Complete Streets Checklist Process
Public Comment opened at 9:34 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 9:34 p.m.
Commissioner Bonne asked about the following:
- What is the interaction between VTA and the Cities? Commissioner Oey stated there are three formal connections. Representatives from each City, staff and representative on the VTA board.
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STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES
None.
4 22-0673 Simplify Sidewalk Riding Ordinance (Deferred Study Issue) Lillian Tsang, Principal Transportation Engineer stated this study issue was proposed last year and deferred by the BPAC in January, 2022. The BPAC wanted to modify some of the languages in the study issue before voting and ranking this coming year. Staff revised this study issue paper to include the discussions with Chair Mehlinger and Commissioner Oey.
Commissioner Oey commented on the following:
- Making the sidewalk ordinance easy and simple to understand as well as more inclusive
- Equitably addresses bicyclists on sidewalks
Public Comment opened at 9:12 p.m.
Bryce Beagle, member of the public, asked and commented on the following:
- Not a good idea to have bicyclists on sidewalks
- Is it meant to be a permanent change?
- What is the City trying to accomplish by allowing bicyclists on sidewalks - Is it a temporary stepping stone so bicyclists can ride on sidewalks since the City does not have a really good bicyclists infrastructure
- Will create hostility between bicyclists and pedestrians - Should focus on creating spaces for bikes
- The $120,000 would be more impact full if it was used for actual infrastructure - Reasonable to allow roller skates and skateboards on sidewalks but not bikes - Should the study be expanded to include electric scooters? Public Comment closed at 9:13 p.m.
Commissioner Hafeman commented on the following:
- Last sentence of scope of study doesn't represent what the commission was trying to do
- Objective of study issue is to clarify regulations
- Agrees with Mr. Beagle's comments that bicyclists and pedestrians shouldn't be on the sidewalk together
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Commissioner Oey commented on the following:
- The objective for revising the ordinance is that when a bicycle uses the sidewalk to ride they are riding in a safe manner
- Current ordinance does not have regulations when bicyclists are on sidewalks to ride in a safe manner
Chair Mehlman commented on the following:
- City of Sunnyvale Sidewalk Ordinance
- Experience riding on a sidewalk
- Bicycle safety laws
- Follow best practice is to ensure ordinances are written in a clear and concise manner
- Supports the study issue
Vice Chair Mehlman commented on the following:
- Implication of last sentence of the scope of the study is that the BPAC would like to study revising to allow electric bicycles, bicycles, roller skates and skateboards to operate on sidewalks
- Change language to say "revising and clarifying" the ordinance to say when bicyclists, electric bicycles, roller skates and skateboards may or may not operate on the sidewalk
Commissioner Oey commented on the following:
- They may operate but operate safely and at the appropriate speed on the sidewalk - Add "safety" to the last sentence
MOTION: Vice Chair Mehlman moved and Commissioner Oey seconded to revise the last sentence of the scope of the study to specify the following:
- "However, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) would like to study revising the SMC to allow the safe operation of bicycles, electric bicycles, roller skates and skateboards on the sidewalks with pedestrians" - Modify the first sentence under "What are the key elements of the study" to add the word "safe" before "operations". Insert "in conjunction with pedestrians" after "on sidewalks."
Ms. Tsang clarified that the motion comes from the scope of the study under "What precipitated this study?"
Vice Chair Mehlman stated she wants to clarify to revise the regulatory statement to
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make clear when wheel vehicles can co-habitat on the sidewalk with pedestrians, when that can occur and what are the expected behaviors of those people operating said wheel conveyances.
Commissioner Oey stated the major factor of this study should be safety.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Commissioner Davé would like to change from "to allow" to "which allows" under the "Scope of the Study-what precipitated this study?" last sentence. Vice Chair Mehlman and Commissioner Oey accept the Friendly Amendment.
The amendment carries with the following vote:
Yes Chair Mehlinger
Vice Chair Mehlman
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Davé
Commissioner Hafeman
Commissioner Oey
6 -
No 0
NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS
-Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Oey asked and commented on the following:
- When will the VTA BPAC appointment occur with City Council? - Estimate on how much longer will be in virtual setting as opposed to in person? - How quickly will staff fix a traffic signal if it is not working? - Bike month was very successful a lot of participants
Chair Mehlinger commented on the following:
- Fair Oaks Park is beautiful
Commissioner Oey commented on the following:
- Sunnyvale is offering scholarship for middle school bicycle skills classes at the Sunnyvale Community Center on July 17, August 14 and August 28. Questions send to [email protected]. Sign up for classes at
wheelkids.com/msbs-sunnyvale
- Silicon Valley Bike Coalition smart cycling classes and bike repair classes funded by VTA. Sign up at bikesiliconvalley.org/ed
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Commissioner Davé commented on the following:
- Safer crossings to Fair Oaks Park
Vice Chair Mehlman commented on the following:
- Free bike repair event on June 18 and July 31
- Bike fun festival on June 26. Go to Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition Eventbrite - Thank you ride celebration for Ari Feinsmith on August 20 or August 21 -Staff Comments
Lillian Tsang commented on the following:
- No date yet on when the VTA BPAC representative will be brought to City Council.
Aiming for late July or early August.
- No update on when the BPAC will meet in person. City Council revisits this topic monthly. Update will be provided if City Council makes a motion to do something different.
- Do not know what the turnaround time is for fixing traffic signals that are broken.
Will have to find out.
- Staff will be bringing the Caltrain Grade Separation project to BPAC to make a motion to recommend to City Council in July. Currently, there is an online survey that is open through the end of July. Go to City webpage and type in Caltrain. - Installed a Pedestrian Rapid Flashing Beacon at the intersection of Santa Real Avenue and De Guigne Drive
- Class IIB bike lane east of De Guigne Drive and Indian Wells Avenue
INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS
22-0674 BPAC 2022 Annual Work Plan
22-0675 Active Items List June 2022
22-0676 2022 Deferred Study Issues
22-0677 Utility Bill Stuffer Update
22-0678 Annual Slurry Seal List 2022
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Mehlinger adjourned the meeting at 9:49 p.m.
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