City of Sunnyvale
Excerpt Meeting Minutes - Final
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
6:30 PM Online and Council Chambers, City Hall,
456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Thursday, March 20, 2025
6:30 P.M. BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Beagle called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Bryce Beagle
Vice Chair Arwen Davé
Commissioner Alex Bonne
Commissioner Geeta Gollakota
Commissioner Dan Hafeman
Commissioner Leia Mehlman
Commissioner Jonathan Wilson
Present 7 -
Council Liaison Le (present)
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2 25-0442 Discussion on Projects for Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Application
Thinh Le, Transportation Engineer, gave a presentation. Highlighting the following:
- Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Funding for FY 2025/26 - Discussion of Newly Added Potential Project
- Previously Discussed Potential Projects
- Next Steps
Commissioner Mehlman commented on the following:
- Suggested delaying the recommendation until the May meeting to allow more information on the approval of the Poplar Avenue project for TDA funding, which would provide the necessary context for a decision.
Attachment 9
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Sunnyvale
March 20, 2025Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
Meeting Minutes - Final
Commissioner Hafeman commented on the following:
- Expressed concern about the funding shortfall for the project. - Stated that while the project may be approved, the additional funding required has not yet been identified.
- Emphasized the importance of securing the extra funds before proceeding with the project.
- Suggested that further discussion should not continue until the funding issue is resolved.
Ms. Obeso responded.
Commissioner Wilson commented on the following:
- Noted that the action for tonight would have been to decide whether to bank or not, but the decision would be to not bank, resulting in spending the money. - Suggested that tonight's plan is option 2.
- Inquired about the new project to remove quick-build bollards, asking for clarification on the rationale behind reversing the previous decision to add them. - Highlighted the issue of narrow clearance around the bollards, which could pose a hazard for cyclists with panniers or wider bikes.
- Shared personal experience of knocking down the bollards several times due to narrow clearance.
- Expressed concern about the bollards being a hazard, especially for cyclists traveling quickly.
Vice Chair Davé commented on the following:
- Supported Staff's suggestion to relocate the quick-build bollards, noting that by the time cyclists reach the barrier, they are already going fast, which does not prevent speed but aggravates the consequences of it.
Public Comment opened at 10:08 p.m.
Daniel Karpelevitch, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Mentioned living in North Sunnyvale and crossing the bridge regularly, noting that the bollards feel unsafe even with normal handlebars.
- Expressed concerns about the narrow passage, overgrowth on fences, and the discomfort it causes for less experienced cyclists, with a risk of crashing. - Criticized the use of stop signs, suggesting they are unnecessary; recommended using slow-down posts instead.
Attachment 9
March 20, 2025Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
Meeting Minutes - Final
- Stated that the bollards should be removed quickly and inexpensively. - Advocated for prioritizing improvements to the Evelyn Trail, mentioning the challenges with Caltrain crossings and the discomfort of biking on Evelyn Avenue. - Expressed hope that improvements to Evelyn Trail could be prioritized in the next few years.
Public Comment closed at 10:11 p.m.
Commissioner Hafeman commented on the following:
- Expressed confusion about the table, noting that the table indicates eligibility for TDA funding but recommends not using it.
- Pointed out that without the $190,000 currently under discussion, there would not be enough money to build the sidewalk.
Ms. Obeso responded.
Commissioner Wilson commented on the following:
- Asked for clarification on Slide 5, specifically regarding the table of recommendations.
- Inquired about the part-time bike lanes, which were preferred by Commissioner Mehlman but listed as a "No" on the recommendation level. - Requested staff to provide more information on this.
Commissioner Mehlman responded.
Attachment 9