City of Sunnyvale
Meeting Minutes - Draft
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, July 20, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Mehlman called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Chair Mehlman led the salute to the flag.
ROLL CALL
Chair Leia Mehlman
Vice Chair Bryce Beagle
Commissioner Alex Bonne
Commissioner Dan Hafeman
Commissioner Sharlene Liu
Commissioner Timothy Oey
Present 6 -
Commissioner Arwen DavéAbsent 1 -
Commissioner Davé (excused absence)
Council Liaison Alysa Cisneros (present)
Councilmember Russ Melton (present)
PRESENTATION
A 23-0752 Annual reporting on collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists
Lieutenant Galazzo gave the annual presentation on collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists. Lt. Galazzo showed and explained slides on the following:
- 5-year Pedestrian and Bicycle Injury Collisions (2018-2022) - 2022 Major Collisions
- 2022 Summary of Enforcement
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- Common Violations
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Injury Collisions 2023 (January - June) - The Three E's - Engineering, Education and Enforcement Commissioner Oey asked and commented on the following:
- How is the 5-year Pedestrian and Bicycle Injury Collision chart generated? - There are three pedestrian deaths that are not reflective on the chart - Are the injury collisions KSI's?
- Suggest to align data with Vision Zero
- What were the circumstances that led to the fatalities? - What do signal violations mean?
- Trend charts for the citations
- How does Public Safety handle the engineering aspect in "The Three E's" - Would like to see the Public Safety school presentation - Why is "No County Wide Group Enforcement" under "Enforcement" in "The Three E's" relevant to the BPAC
Lt. Galazzo and Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following:
- What are formal traffic complaints?
- Any data on informal complaints?
- Will enough complaints on a street result in changing that street to make it safer? - Are "The Three E's" balanced?
Lt. Galazzo and Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Commissioner Bonne asked about the following:
- Would more staff, traffic cameras, speeding cameras make the roads safer? - Do the traffic cameras give feedback on vehicle velocity? Lt. Galazzo addressed the questions.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following:
- Are enforcement activities primarily conducted during the day or is there night activities?
- Who is responsible for enforcement along Lawrence Expressway? - Is the party at fault on the "2022 Summary" slide listed as position #1? - When there is a fatality accident, who looks at the engineering aspect of the
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accident?
Lt. Galazzo addressed the questions.
Commissioner Liu asked about the following:
- Could the list of collisions be presented in the form of a heat map? - Can the ped-bike collisions be extended to more than a 5-year period as currently shown?
- Is the citation for pedestrians walking outside of the crosswalk for marked crosswalks?
- Do pedestrians have the right-of-way on unmarked crosswalks? Or will they be ticketed?
- Are you expecting cyclists to ride on the right side of the road then cross over at the nearest intersection then come back on the wrong side of the road to get to their destination?
- How does the Safe Routes to School Coordinator work with DPS in regards to educating the kids?
- What is the difference between a serious and major injury? - Do you let Transportation and Traffic give suggestions to DPS? - Is there a benefit to have the County Wide Group Enforcement?
Lt. Galazzo and Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Commissioner Hafeman asked about the following:
- If you're walking a bicycle, are you a pedestrian or a bicyclists? - Is there any data that is tracked connecting the ratio of accidents to traffic? - Washington Avenue and Mathilda Avenue accident
Lt. Galazzo and Officer Larks addressed the questions.
Chair Mehlman commented and asked about the following:
- Does the Traffic Safety Division have information on vehicle volumes? - Is there data on the vehicle traffic volumes between 2019-2022? - Would like to have a future report to see the 5-year Bicycle and Pedestrian Injury Collision list with cooperation from the Traffic and Transportation Division to see what the vehicle volume estimates are for the years that are listed on the graph - Does the City maintain statistics to determine how much vehicular traffic is in the City?
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July 20, 2023Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
Meeting Minutes - Draft
Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following:
- How many accidents from bicycle vehicle versus pedestrians were from right turn on a red light?
- Can cell phone usage be accurately collected?
- If cell phones are on the dashboard can you tap them once in a while and still be considered "hands-free"?
- How are cyclists expected to abide by all the rules on the road like vehicles when they are not required to have a drivers license to operate a bicycle? - Why does DPS alert drivers that there will be extra scrutiny on a specific day and why does OTS say it is required?
Lt. Galazzo addressed the questions.
Commissioner Oey asked about the following:
- Do you have cameras that detect when vehicles are going through red lights? - Is there video monitoring anywhere in the United States? - Is there video evidence of the Wolfe Road and Inverness Way bicycle incident? Lt. Galazzo, Mr. Ng and Officer Larks addressed the questions.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following:
- Could a resident who is recording their rides on their bikes turn in that video coverage to DPS if there is an incident for evidence?
Lt. Galazzo addressed the questions.
Public Comment opened at 8:49 p.m.
Russ Melton, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Gave clarification on the two fatalities on Wolfe Road and Inverness Way - Fact statements have been put out to the residents when there are roadway fatalities
- Council Mehlinger proposed to hire an engineering firm - California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 645 - Speed Safety System Pilot Program
- City Council approved a new traffic signal at the intersection of Wolfe Road and Dartshire Way
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July 20, 2023Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
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Meeting Minutes - Draft
Public Comment closed at 8:54 p.m.
Commissioner Oey commented on the following:
- Focus on the most important items rather than providing only numbers - Thanked DPS for sending out reminder letters
Chair Mehlman called for a recess at 8:56 p.m. Chair Mehlman reconvened the meeting at 9:07 p.m.
B 23-0753
Vision Zero Plan Progress Update
Thinh Le, Transportation Engineer, gave a presentation on the Sunnyvale Vision Zero Progress Update. Highlighting the following:
- Vision Zero Plan Background
- Collision Trends - Total Collisions
- Collision Trends - Fatal and Serious Injury
- Collision Trends - Pedestrian & Bicyclist Fatal and Serious Injury - Completed Projects
- Java Drive Road Diet and Bike Lanes
- Lawrence Station Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements - Accessible Pedestrian Signal System with Touchless Push Button - In-Progress and Future Projects
- Bike & Pedestrian Improvements
- Signal/Crossing Improvements
- Outreach Plan for Vision Zero Campaign
- Safe Routes to School Education Program
- Land Use Development Improvements
- Signal Improvements
- PDF version of the Vision Zero Plan at sunnyvale.ca.gov, search Transportation and Traffic Safety
Chair Mehlman commented and asked about the following:
- What are the Pedestrian and Bicycle Enforcement Operations? - Would like to see when the projects have occurred or when they are going to occur
- Where are the Land Use Development Improvements going to be? - What has and what is going to be implemented?
- Where have the Signal Improvements been implemented?
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- What was mentioned about Tasman Drive?
- How are the improvements being balanced out between North and South Sunnyvale?
Mr. Le and Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Commissioner Oey asked about the following:
- Can the Vision Zero Update and the Annual Reporting on Collisions Involving Pedestrians and Cyclists coordinate together in the presentation? - Will Council member Mehlinger go retroactive when doing the engineering analysis?
- Error on CR22-7871 - should be Wolfe Road/Inverness Way not Homestead Road - CR22-7871 was not listed under fatalities 2022
- Do you just wave your hand or is there another enhancement on the Accessible Pedestrian Signal System with Touchless Push Button?
- Are there rapid flashing beacons going on at locations where there are traffic signal upgrades?
- Do you have a sense of the audience with your Targeted Outreach? - Is the Safe Routes to School coordinator full-time or part-time? Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Chair Mehlman asked about the following:
- What is "Advanced Dilemma-Zone Detection"?
Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following:
- Does the "Advanced Dilemma-Zone Detection" signal affect when the light turns red?
- What is the purpose of the touchless push buttons?
- What push buttons are being upgraded within the City? - Why are we going with the system with the big buttons? - What is the difference between a HAWK Beacon and a rectangular rapid flashing beacon?
- What design decision is made to choose between narrowing or slowing the road to prevent vehicles from driving too fast versus adding a beacon? - What was the reason for picking certain tools from the toolbox? - How do the signals function to respond to slow pedestrians?
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July 20, 2023Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
Meeting Minutes - Draft
Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Commissioner Hafeman asked about the following:
- Is the newly installed no right-turn on red sign on Mathilda Avenue and Washington Avenue on all four right turns or just on the one where the fatality was located?
- Why wasn't it installed on the eastbound direction?
- Does the "Leading Pedestrian Interval" mean that the pedestrian gets a walk signal before the light switches?
- Is the "Adaptive Pedestrian Signal System" the detecting of the pedestrian before they actually get to the intersection?
Mr. Ng addressed the questions.
Public Comment opened at 10:23 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 10:24 p.m.
Commissioner Liu commented on the following:
- Would like the future Vision Zero Plan Updates presentation to have more details and include the 35 action items
Chair Mehlman commented on the following:
- Would like to see what progress has been made on those specifically identified priority project locations that were identified in the Vision Zero Plan - Would like to see what was on the project list and what has been completed or in progress
Commissioner Liu asked about the following:
- What is difficult about providing more detailed information? Mr. Ng addressed the question.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Public Comment opened at 10:35 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 10:36 p.m.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comment opened at 10:36 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 10:36 p.m.
1.A 23-0725
Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission Meeting
Minutes of June 15, 2023.
Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission Meeting Minutes of June 15, 2023 as submitted.
Yes Chair Mehlman
Vice Chair Beagle
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Hafeman
Commissioner Liu
Commissioner Oey
6 -
No 0
Absent Commissioner Davé1 -
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2 23-0754 Selection of Chair and Vice Chair for FY23/24 Public Comment opened at 10:40 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 10:41 p.m.
Commissioner Liu nominated Commissioner Oey as Chair. Commissioner Oey accepts the nomination.
Chair Mehlman nominated Chair Mehlman for the Chair position. Chair Mehlman accepts the nomination.
There was no other nominations for the Chair position.
Commissioner Oey commented on the following:
- Would be honored to serve as Chair
- Served as Vice Chair for one year
- Served on the BPAC for the last 10 years
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July 20, 2023Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
Meeting Minutes - Draft
Chair Mehlman commented on the following:
- Served on the BPAC for six years
- Enjoys running an efficient ship
- Would like to continue to serve
Commissioner Liu nominated Commissioner Oey as Chair. Commissioner Oey accepts the nomination.
The motion carried the following vote:
Yes Chair Mehlman
Vice Chair Beagle
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Hafeman
Commissioner Liu
Commissioner Oey
6 -
No 0
Absent Commissioner Davé1 -
Vice Chair Beagle nominated Vice Chair Beagle as Vice Chair. Vice Chair Beagle accepts the nomination.
Commissioner Liu nominated Commissioner Liu as Vice Chair. Commissioner Liu accepts the nomination.
Commissioner Liu commented on the following:
- Relatively new member of the BPAC and is enjoying the experience so far - As a Vice Chair would be able to get more involved with the BPAC - Passionate about pedestrian and bike issues
Vice Chair Beagle commented on the following:
- Familiar with the Vice Chair position
- Comfortable speaking in front of City Council if the need arises - Comfortable filling in for the Chair position
There was no other nominations for the Chair position.
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July 20, 2023Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
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Meeting Minutes - Draft
Vice Chair Beagle nominated Vice Chair Beagle as Vice Chair. Vice Chair Beagle accepts the nomination.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes Chair Mehlman
Vice Chair Beagle
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Hafeman
4 -
No Commissioner Liu
Commissioner Oey
2 -
Absent Commissioner Davé1 -
Mr. Ng stated that the training for Chair and Vice Chair will be held on Tuesday, August 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Council Liaison Melton commented on the following:
- Congratulated the new Chair person and continuing Vice Chair - In the future, when voting "No" you should "abstain" rather than voting "No". It is less offensive
STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES
NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS
-Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Liu commented and asked about the following:
- Process for a study issue
- El Camino Real Ride - Saturday, August 12 at 10:00 a.m., more information at https://bikesiliconvalley.org
- Community Service Ride for kids - Sunday, August 13
Mr. Ng addressed the question.
Commissioner Hafeman commented on the following:
- Caltrans is going to submit a proposal to add bicycle lanes on El Camino Real between Redwood City and the east border of Mountain View. More information in the Palo Alto Voice newspaper
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July 20, 2023Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
Meeting Minutes - Draft
Commissioner Oey commented on the following:
- Education classes offered from VTA and the 2016 Measure B at bikesiliconvalley.org/ed
- Silicon Valley Bicycle Summit - Thursday, August 24. Sign ups at bikesiliconvalley.org/summit
Chair Mehlman commented on the following:
- Use caution when riding in the heat
-Staff Comments
Mr. Le commented on the following:
- Tasman Drive Study Issue kickoff meeting - July 26
- Homestead Road Full-Time Bike Lane is going to City Council on August 8 Mr. Ng commented on the following:
- There will be pavement dig outs along Sunnyvale Avenue bike lanes and slurry seal the week of July 24. Also, bike lanes will be installed the first week of August
INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS
23-0755 BPAC 2023 Annual Work Plan
Commissioner Liu asked if the municipal code 10.56.140 - Riding on Sidewalks would be added to the 2024 Work Plan parking lot. Mr. Ng stated that yes it will be added to the 2024 Work Plan parking lot.
23-0756
Active Items List July 2023
23-0757 2023 Deferred Study Issues
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Mehlman adjourned the meeting at 11:08 p.m.
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