City of Sunnyvale
Excerpt Meeting Minutes - Final
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
6:30 PM Online and Bay Conference Room
(Room 145), City Hall,
456 W. Olive Ave.,
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Thursday, April 20, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Mehlman called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Leia Mehlman
Vice Chair Bryce Beagle
Commissioner Alex Bonne
Commissioner Arwen Davé
Commissioner Dan Hafeman
Commissioner Sharlene Liu
Commissioner Timothy Oey
Present 7 -
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comment opened at 6:39 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 6:40 p.m.
2 23-0531
Discussion of TDA Funding
Angela Wong, Transportation Engineer, gave a presentation on the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Funding for FY 2023/24. Highlighting the following:
- Background of TDA Funding
- What the funding can be used for:
- Design & construction of a bicycle/pedestrian capital or quick build project - Secured bicycle parking facilities in high use activity areas - Restriping Class II bicycle lanes
- Approximately $140,000/year of TDA funding - based on sales tax - Current amount of TDA funds are $336,620 (combination of last year's banked funds and this year's funds)
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April 20, 2023Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
Meeting Minutes - Final
- Proposed Projects
- #1 - Widen fence opening at Crawford Drive near Las Palmas Park - approximate cost $130,000
- #2 - Class IIIB Bicycle Boulevard on Helena Drive - approximate cost $1,000,000 - #3 - Crossing North Leg at Mathilda Avenue and Moffett Park Drive - not a refuge area, so pedestrian signal will not be installed
- #4 - Straighten Bike Route 352 - not eligible for TDA funding - #5 - Install pedestrian hybrid beacon (HAWK) on Mary Avenue and Carson Drive - would need to bank funds from multiple years which might exceed the time limit for banking it
- #6 - Install ramp on both ends of the pathway at Cheyenne Drive between Valcartier Drive and Yukon Drive - this project would not fit the TDA fundings - #7 - Reduce pork chop islands on Westbound El Camino Real at both Murphy Avenue and Francis Street - approximate cost $60,000
- #8 - Repave Morse Avenue from Persian Drive to Weddell Drive - not eligible for TDA funding
- #9 - Implement Class III Bicycle Route on Pastoria Avenue - staff recommends - #10 - Reduce pork chop island at Northwest corner at Mathilda Avenue and Maude Avenue - not recommended by staff due to a project already working on removing all 4 pork chop islands
- #11 - Install curb ramp at the Southeast corner of Borregas Avenue and Weddell Drive - not recommended for TDA funding as more design elements need to be evaluated
- #12 - Bicycle Parking at Wiser Park - not eligible for TDA funding - #13 - Class I Bicycle Parking at Orange and Pear Garages not working - property management has been contacted to make bike lockers accessible - #14 - Provide additional bicycle parking at the new City Hall - Class II, 24 spaces are planned or under construction for public use
- #15 - Class I Bicycle Parking at Target Not Working - Staff is in contact with Target to make bike lockers accessible
- #16 - Implement crossing improvements at the intersection of Gale Avenue and Iris Avenue - staff recommends this project as it is working towards the ATP (Active Transportation Plan) - approximate cost $215,000
- #17 - Install Class III/IIIB Bicycle Facilities where striping improvements have already been implemented - approximate cost $166,000
- #18 - Install sidewalk on Poplar Avenue near Peterson Middle School - design cost approximate $160,000, implementation and construction approximate cost $895,000 - Objective is to discuss with the BPAC the proposed 18 projects no motion needed - BPAC will make a recommendation for a project at the May BPAC meeting
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April 20, 2023Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
Meeting Minutes - Final
Commissioner Oey asked about the following for slide #1:
- What the treatment is going to be besides just moving a post - Will it be paved or stay as dirt?
- Will there be markings to notify drivers that someone could be crossing? Ms. Tsang addressed the questions.
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following for slide #1:
- Total cost of all the staff's recommended projects
- How does the funding work?
- What is the expiration date for the funds?
- Is it feasible to not flatten the surface and make it wider to save money? Mr. Ng and Ms. Tsang addressed the questions.
Commissioner Hafeman asked about the following for slide #1:
- Design the project as a two stage project. Wait to have the second stage at a later date to save money
- A quote for moving just the post
Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Commissioner Liu asked about the following for slide #1:
- TDA prioritization of projects now and then again in 4-5 years - A crosswalk at Crawford that has a speed bump like Stella Court that has a crosswalk and a speed bump
Mr. Ng and Ms. Tsang addressed the questions.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following for slide #1:
- Add signage to vehicles to say "bicyclists may be entering roadway" Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Commissioner Bonne asked about the following for slide #1:
- The City using Decomposed Granite (DG) instead of asphalt Mr. Ng addressed the question.
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April 20, 2023Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
Meeting Minutes - Final
Commissioner Oey asked about the following for slide #1:
- What's the width of the opening?
- Will there be bollards?
Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Commission Liu asked about the following for slide #2:
- ADA directional curb ramps
Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following for slide #2:
- Average amount of TDA funding available each year
- Issuing this proposal as a study issue, get it funded from somewhere else other than TDA funding
- Do streets automatically have striping upgrades to accommodate bicyclists as part of the normal City maintenance?
Mr. Ng and Ms. Tsang addressed the questions.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following for slide #3:
- Why is it designed this way if it is not a refuge area? Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following for slide #3:
- Is this an intersection where there is always a crossing cycle? Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Commissioner Oey asked about the following for slide #3:
- Are there any other designs for a button other than having a post there? Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following for slide #3:
- Can the timing be changed at the intersection so that it cycles through every single time?
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April 20, 2023Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
Meeting Minutes - Final
Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following for slide #4:
- Lowering the speed limit by 5 miles per hour
- If Study Issue DPW 21-01 were to be implemented would that have an affect on the speed limit?
Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Commissioner Oey asked about the following for slide #4:
- When Study Issue DPW 21-01 is done and if Hollenbeck Avenue becomes a Class II facility then it would be eligible for TDA funding?
Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Commissioner Davé asked about the following for slide #5:
- Is Vargas Elementary School the reason for installing the HAWK beacon? Ms. Tsang addressed the question.
Commissioner Oey asked about the following for slide #5:
- Other funding options other than TDA
Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following for slide #5:
- Will the City actively seek funding from within the City funds to address the issue at the intersection, since it's been identified in the ATP? Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Commissioner Oey asked about the following for slide #6:
- A ramp just for bicyclists and not for pedestrians
Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Commissioner Liu asked about the following for slide #6:
- Clarification on why there can't be a ramp that comes directly out of the
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Commission
Meeting Minutes - Final
passageway onto Yukon
Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Commissioner Oey asked about the following for slide #6:
- What do you do about driveways?
Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following for slide #7:
- Removing the entire pork chop and use Quick-Build instead - Cost of adding a bulb-out
- Where does the State's ownership end and the City's ownership begin? - Instead of using a pork chop island, can we block the intersection at El Camino Real/Francis Street and move the traffic diverter south to have traffic come from the north to access the properties
Mr. Ng and Ms. Tsang addressed the questions.
Commissioner Hafeman asked about the following for slide #7:
- Is City staff confident that Caltrans will approve the project? - Is City staff confident that the estimate is accurate? Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Commissioner Oey asked about the following for slide #7:
- Are there any projects in the ATP that would accomplish this as part of those projects?
Mr. Ng and Ms. Tsang addressed the question.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following for slide #9:
- Are miles calculated in both directions to get total mileage? Mr. Ng and Ms. Tsang addressed the question.
Commissioner Oey asked about the following for slide #9:
- Is it a requirement to have double yellow center line in order to have sharrows?
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April 20, 2023Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
Meeting Minutes - Final
Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Commissioner Liu asked about the following for slide #9:
- Another option to complete the project so it is less stressful for the bicyclists Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Commissioner Bonne asked about the following for slide #9:
- Installing speed bumps or signs inside the double yellow lines reminding vehicles that the speed limit is 25 mph
Mr. Ng and Ms. Tsang addressed the question.
Chair Mehlman called for a recess at 8:13 p.m. Chair Mehlman reconvened the meeting at 8:22 p.m.
Commissioner Davé asked about the following for slide #10:
- Timeframe for when the project will be completed
Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Commissioner Oey asked about the following for slide #11:
- What is a curb ramp?
Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following for slide #11:
- Part of the issue is that there is a crosswalk and sidewalk only on one side of the intersection
Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following for slide #12:
- Temporary bicycle parking is not eligible for TDA funding but secured bicycle parking is eligible for TDA funding
- Is the City looking at installing bicycle parking in the park? Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
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April 20, 2023Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
Meeting Minutes - Final
Chair Mehlman asked about the following for slide #13:
- When was contact made with the property management and what was the result of that conversation?
Ms. Tsang addressed the question.
Commissioner Oey asked about the following for slide #13:
- Is a key required to access the bike lockers?
Mr. Ng and Ms. Tsang addressed the question.
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following for slide #13:
- Is there a requirement for Class I bike lockers to be free? - Is there a requirement for the secure aspect of the secure lockers? Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following for slide #13:
- How is bicycle parking access enforced?
Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Commissioner Oey asked about the following for slide #13:
- Are Pear, Orange and Target parking structures eligible for TDA funding? Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Commissioner Liu asked about the following for slide #14:
- Making future bike parking around the new City Hall to be artsy bike parking - Would artsy bike parking require a study issue proposal? Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following for slide #14:
- Has the purchase been made for the Class II bike parking? Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Commissioner Oey asked about the following for slide #14:
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April 20, 2023Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
Meeting Minutes - Final
- Is there any Class I parking available to visitors of City Hall? Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Commissioner Bonne asked about the following for slide #14:
- Covered spaces for the outside bicycle parking
- Ratio of bike parking spots to car parking spots
Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following for slide #14:
- Bike parking that is not already part of the project would have to go through additional funding
Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following for slide #16:
- Has this been partially funded?
Ms. Tsang addressed the question.
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following for slide #16:
- How is the bulb-out chosen?
- Is this budget used just for the pedestrian improvements? Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Commissioner Liu asked about the following for slide #16:
- Considerations for curb extensions for the other three corners - Is it common for curb extensions to be near school zones? Mr. Ng and Ms. Tsang addressed the questions.
Commissioner Oey asked about the following for slide #16:
- Bundling all the Safe Routes to School funds to make a big Federal Grant Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following for slide #17:
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April 20, 2023Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
Meeting Minutes - Final
- How the 9.2 miles was calculated
Ms. Tsang addressed the question.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following for slide #18:
- Funding the design portion and banking the rest for another TDA project Ms. Tsang addressed the question.
Commissioner Liu asked about the following for slide #18:
- Add more sidewalks as part of this project
Ms. Tsang addressed the question.
Commissioner Oey asked about the following for slide #18:
- Using roadway for the sidewalk or an easement
Ms. Tsang and Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Public Comment opened at 9:07 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 9:07 p.m.
Commissioner Oey commented on the following:
- First priority is to widen fence opening next to Crawford to be able to bike all the way to Downtown Sunnyvale and not have to use Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road - Would like the implementation of the Carson crossing
- Likes the Pastoria Avenue idea of lowering the speed limit which is a high priority - There is value in getting the Gail Avenue/Iris Avenue and Poplar Avenue/Bryant Way projects done
Commissioner Davé commented on the following:
- Six of the projects make a difference between life and death and of those 2-3 are within this year's budget
- Priority is to take care of the 2-3 projects that are within this year's budget - Projects near the schools should be a priority
Vice Chair Beagle commented on the following:
- Happy to see both pedestrian and bicycle concerns
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April 20, 2023Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
Meeting Minutes - Final
- Not in favor of using the budget for sharrows because they give a false security without offering any safety improvements
- In favor of using the budget for traffic calming measures Commissioner Liu commented and asked about the following:
- It is better to put a ramp at the passageway at Yukon/Cheyenne - In favor of putting a ramp at Borregas/Weddell
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