City of Sunnyvale
Meeting Minutes - Final
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Commission
6:30 PM Online and Redwood Conference Room,
City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale,
CA 94086
Thursday, November 20, 2025
6:30 P.M. BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Wilson called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Chair Wilson led the salute to the flag.
ROLL CALL
Chair Jonathan Wilson
Vice Chair Bryce Beagle
Commissioner Alex Bonne
Commissioner Geeta Gollakota
Commissioner Dan Hafeman
Commissioner Leia Mehlman
Present 6 -
Commissioner Diyi ZhuAbsent 1 -
Commissioner Zhu's absence is excused.
Council Liaison Chang (present, departed at 10:12 p.m.) Council Liaison Mehlinger (present, arrived at 10:12 p.m.)
STUDY SESSION
A 25-1092 East Channel Trail Study
Esther Jung, Traffic Engineer, Kevin Chen, Senior Traffic Engineer and Jeffrey Knowles, Planning Group Director from Alta Planning + Design, gave a presentation. Highlighting the following:
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- Project Overview
- Community Engagement Summary
- Alternative Analysis
- Next Steps
Commissioner Mehlman asked about the following:
- Why Eagle Drive was selected over Mariani Drive
- Regarding the bicycle-pedestrian bridge - whether there would be issues relating to elevations over the residential neighborhoods
- Whether there is enough public right-of-way space for a bicycle-pedestrian bridge - Why Fair Oaks Avenue was selected when assessing on-street alternatives Mr. Knowles responded.
Commissioner Bonne asked about the following:
- If the off-street paths that cross impassable roads such as highways are meant to provide guidance to cyclists and pedestrians
- If the City is planning to figure out the cost and design needed to actually build these off-street paths
- How the different options compare to a future where the trail is built in pieces and connected by short off-street paths
- Cost comparison, speed of implementation and long-term durability of the alternatives to the paved trail being considered
Mr. Knowles responded.
Commissioner Hafeman asked about the following:
- Trail conditions in regards to flood durability
- Whether private property owners were contacted regarding interest in granting right-of-way
- Order of priorities and determining where the public would get the most value Mr. Knowles responded.
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following:
- What needs to be done to open as much as possible, as soon as possible - Whether staff has explored potential grants to complete any of the work - Whether the channel shown on slide 12 is an easement of Santa Clara Valley Water
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- (On slide 13) Whether an at-grade crossing being too close to Fair Oaks Avenue is a concern
- Whether the proposed Evelyn Avenue Multi-use Trail extends as far as East Channel along Evelyn Avenue as shown on slide 14
- (On slides 15 and 16) Whether it was looked into that pedestrians keep using Route B to connect directly to the next section along Fair Oaks Avenue - Why High-intensity Activated crossWalks (HAWKs) are preferred over regular signals
- What "sharing priority" means
- (On slide 20) Whether it'd be feasible to have a separated bike lane within the raised crosswalk
Ms. Jung, Mr. Chen and Mr. Knowles responded.
Commissioner Gollakota asked about the following:
- Whether any sections have been identified where there will be maximum use for any particular reason
Mr. Knowles responded.
Commissioner Mehlman asked about the following:
- Whether there is an idea of the assessment in terms of the risk for flooding for the Kifer Road to Arques Avenue section (slide 15)
- (Referencing slide 21) Whether a full traffic signal could be warranted instead of a HAWK at bicycle/pedestrian crossings despite the absence of a vehicle cross street Mr. Knowles responded.
Chair Wilson asked about the following:
- (Slide 12) Whether the goal is to enable people on the trail to go to Homestead Road once the channel goes underground
- Whether it would still be necessary to build a bridge if the land from Crescent Avenue to Iris Avenue was purchased
- If there are any cost estimates for the proposed suggestions Mr. Knowles responded.
Public Comment opened at 7:53 p.m.
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Sharlene Liu, member of the public, commented on the following:
- Likes the idea of protected intersections and bike lanes - Was concerned about the temporary crossings on Fair Oaks Avenue and Wolfe Road
- Proposed an idea of a two-way bikeway to make turns safe - Whether it could be defined when an Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) would be used versus a HAWK
- Prefers dust-free smooth option over crushed gravel for the path surface - Prefers a bridge over an at-grade crossing
Public Comment closed at 7:57 p.m.
Vice Chair Beagle commented on the following:
- Open as much as possible as early as possible
- Doesn't have preference on path material
- Would rather do trail sections and connect them together with the roads as possible now
- Would prefer an at-grade crossing over a bridge for the El Camino Real section if the City can get that land at a reasonable cost
- Would like to see a raised crosswalk at every crossing possible - Has a strong preference for regular signalized crossings over HAWKs Commissioner Mehlman commented on the following:
- The need to prioritize the connection between north and central Sunnyvale - Believes that all Tier 1 crossings should be elevated whether striped or not - Signalized intersections should be activated hands free - Prefers paving over gravel
- Asked for conceptual renderings of tunnel cross-sections and bridge elevations - Preferred replacement of the pedestrian bridge over US 101 Commissioner Hafeman commented on the following:
- Believes project should be in segments and studied as part of public outreach - Emphasized phased prioritization methodology so the project does not consume excessive transportation dollars at the expense of other needed projects Commissioner Gollakota asked about the following:
- Whether any other opportunities exist to seek input from schools and employers within a certain radius of the proposed project areas
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Mr. Chen responded.
Commissioner Gollakota commented on the following:
- Prioritizing asphalt and thinking about the future of events for the City Commissioner Bonne commented on the following:
- Opening sooner with a lower cost alternative
- Prefers all crossings be controlled by traffic signals rather than HAWKs - Not allowing this project to detract from other infrastructure improves that are planned around the City
Chair Wilson commented on the following:
- Would rather do trail sections and connect them together with the roads as possible now
- Agrees with BPAC that the lowest cost option is the way to go for surfacing Commissioner Mehlman commented on the following:
- Physical printouts for future surveys
Commissioner Gollakota commented on the following:
- Outreach to schools directly via the Superintendent
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Public Comment opened at 8:31 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 8:31 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1.A 25-1093 Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2025.
Approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2025 as submitted.
1.B 25-1094
Approve the Joint Study Session Minutes of October 23, 2025, with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory and Sustainability Commissions.
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Approve the Joint Study Session Minutes of October 23, 2025, with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory and Sustainability Commissions, as submitted.
Public Comment opened at 8:32 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 8:32 p.m.
Commissioner Mehlman moved and Vice Chair Beagle seconded the motion to approve items 1.A and 1.B.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Yes Chair Wilson
Vice Chair Beagle
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Gollakota
Commissioner Mehlman
5 -
No 0
Absent Commissioner Zhu1 -
Abstain Commissioner Hafeman1 -
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2 25-0637 Recommend to City Council to Approve the Concept Plans from the Sunnyvale Caltrain Station Pedestrian-Bicycle Access Study (DPW 20-02); and Recommend that the City Council
Direct Staff to include the Concept Plans as an Unfunded Project(s) in the FY 2026/27 Budget Pending Future
Identification of Funding; and Recommend to the City Council to Recommend to the Santa Clara County Board of
Supervisors to Approve the Proposed Improvements for
Corridor 1A in County’s Right-of-Way
Alternative 1: Recommend to City Council to approve the concept plans from the Sunnyvale Caltrain Station Pedestrian-Bicycle Access Study (DPW 20-02); and recommend that the City Council direct staff to include the concept plans as an unfunded project(s) in the FY 2026/27 Budget pending future identification of
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funding; and recommend to City Council to Recommend to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to approve the proposed improvements for Corridor 1A in County's right-of-way.
Chair Wilson called for a recess at 8:36 p.m. Chair Wilson reconvened the meeting at 8:47 p.m.
Angela Wong, Transportation Engineer and Monica Tanner, Transportation Engineer from Kimley-Horn, gave a presentation. Highlighting the following:
- Project Overview
- Round 2 Public Engagement Findings
- Concept Recommendations
- Recommendation to City Council
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following:
- The presence of a pork chop and traffic circle on slide 18 - The addition of car infrastructure on slide 17
- Whether protected intersections were considered at any of the three intersections shown on slide 17
Ms. Wong, Lillian Tsang, Principal Transportation Engineer and Angela Obeso, Transportation & Traffic Manager, responded.
Commissioner Mehlman asked about the following:
- Whether any of the properties on the section of California Avenue shown on slide 17 have driveways facing California Avenue
- If any of the bike lanes on the northern side of California Avenue are protected by bollards
- How cyclists are being physically protected from vehicles overtaking them on California Avenue
Ms. Wong and Ms. Obeso responded.
Commissioner Bonne asked about the following:
- Conversations with Caltrain regarding potential cost sharing and access improvement
- How many responses were received for the Round 2 Outreach survey Ms. Wong responded.
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Commissioner Hafeman asked about the following:
- Whether closing the parking lot exit onto Evelyn Avenue was considered for the area shown on slide 23
- How Class IIIB Bicycle Boulevard would work on Frances Street - Whether there was any consideration with VTA and/or Caltrain to close the parking lot shown on slide 26 and expanding bus infrastructure
Ms. Wong, Ms. Tsang and Ms. Obeso responded.
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following:
- Why a raised intersection is being proposed for one intersection as opposed to both shown on slide 20
- The proposed bulb-outs on Frances Street at Beemer Avenue - Safety concerns regarding the bike lane on Frances Street where the car ramp goes up and onto Mathilda Avenue
- What the proposed infrastructure changes are for Corridor 6: Washington Avenue and S. Pastoria Avenue
- Caltrain station improvement suggestions including bike ramps leading to the platform
- Charles Street & Evelyn Avenue crossing
Ms. Wong, Ms. Tanner, Ms. Tsang and Ms. Obeso responded.
Commissioner Hafeman asked about the following:
- Cost estimates and proposed changes on Washington Avenue between Pastoria and Mathilda avenues
Ms. Obeso responded.
Chair Wilson asked about the following:
- Why traffic circles are being proposed in the three locations recommended on slide 16 Ms. Wong responded.
Public Comment opened at 9:59 p.m.
Sharlene Liu, member of the public, commented on the following:
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- Concerns regarding Pastoria Avenue being categorized as a Class III bicycle route - Parking lot exit onto Evelyn Avenue just east of Frances Street - Sunnyvale's transit center compared to City of Mountain View - Safety concern regarding the off ramp from Evelyn Avenue onto Mathilda Avenue Public Comment closed at 10:03 p.m.
Vice Chair Beagle commented on the following:
- Thoughts on all proposed corridor options
Commissioner Mehlman commented on the following:
- Purpose of agenda item
Commissioner Gollakota commented on the following:
- Caltrain station access from Frances Street and questioned usage BPAC discussed the recommendations on the agenda item.
MOTION: Chair Wilson moved and Commissioner Hafeman seconded to approve Alternative 1 with the following modifications:
- That traffic circles not be used to limit traffic speeds at intersections - That the proposed changes for Washington Avenue in Corridor 6 be removed - That Corridor 2 remain unstriped, without centerline or parking striping FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Vice Chair Beagle offered a friendly amendment to change the first modification to "That traffic circles are insufficient to limit speeds at the specific intersections in this study and that alternate methods be used." Chair Wilson and Commissioner Hafeman accepted the friendly amendment.
The motion as amended carried with the following vote:
Yes Chair Wilson
Vice Chair Beagle
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Gollakota
Commissioner Hafeman
Commissioner Mehlman
6 -
No 0
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Absent Commissioner Zhu1 -
3 25-1095 Approve Draft BPAC 2026 Master Work Plan
Approve Draft 2026 Master Work Plan
Commissioner Hafeman was excused from the meeting at 10:56 p.m.
Ms. Wong and Ms. Tsang went over the Draft 2026 Master Work Plan with the BPAC.
Commissioner Mehlman asked about the following:
- If some of the "additional items yet to be scheduled" can be moved into the schedule
- Whether staff can assure that the "additional items yet to be scheduled" will get a report within the calendar year
Ms. Tsang and Ms. Obeso responded.
Vice Chair Beagle asked about the following:
- Items under "additional items yet to be scheduled" on the 2025 Master Work Plan that have disappeared form the Draft 2026 Master Work Plan Ms. Obeso responded.
Public Comment opened at 11:12 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 11:13 p.m.
Commissioner Gollakota commented on the following:
- The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) presentation that was not presented at the October BPAC meeting
MOTION: Commissioner Gollakota moved and Chair Wilson seconded to amend the Draft 2026 Master Work Plan to include an additional SRTS presentation with extra survey data, ideally presented to BPAC in April 2026.
Commissioner Gollakota commented on the following:
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- Stating that she feels there is value in the additional presentation and that SRTS is an important element in the community
Commissioner Wilson commented on the following:
- Stating that if Council finds it acceptable to direct staff to give the BPAC an extra presentation, it may be beneficial to everyone to hear a little more and conduct more surveys if possible.
Public Comment opened at 11:26 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 11:26 p.m.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes Chair Wilson
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Gollakota
3 -
No Vice Chair Beagle
Commissioner Mehlman
2 -
Absent Commissioner Hafeman
Commissioner Zhu
2 -
Approve Draft 2026 Master Work Plan
Commissioner Gollakota moved and Commissioner Mehlman seconded the motion to recommend to Council to approve item 3 as amended.
The motion carried with the following vote:
Yes Chair Wilson
Vice Chair Beagle
Commissioner Bonne
Commissioner Gollakota
Commissioner Mehlman
5 -
No 0
Absent Commissioner Hafeman
Commissioner Zhu
2 -
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4 25-1096 Report and Discussion of Recent Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Bicycle and Pedestrian
Advisory Committee (BPAC) Meeting
Commissioner Mehlman gave the meeting summary report regarding the following topics:
- If biking on the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail, detour routes may be unavailable up to a month in advance due to the Super Bowl at Levi Stadium Feb. 6, 2026 - Next generation Clipper cards coming up Dec. 10
- 2016 Measure B Bike Ped Call for Project Grant Applications due by 4 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 9, 2026
- Subcommittee formed by VTA to discuss complete streets policy update - Mobile Citizen app
Public Comment opened at 11:35 p.m.
No speakers.
Public Comment closed at 11:36 p.m.
Vice Chair Beagle commented on the following
- Next generation Clipper card
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
-Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Gollkota commented on the following:
- Sunnyvale Education Foundation partnering with Sunnyvale School District to raise $20,000 to help buy gift cards for families affected by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program California (SNAP) benefit cuts
-Staff Comments
Ms. Wong commented on the following:
- Council Priority Project process
INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS
25-1097 BPAC 2025 Annual Work Plan
25-1098 Active Items List November 2025
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ADJOURNMENT
Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting at 11:41 p.m.
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