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Home My WebLink About0433.095• -------- o City of Palo Alto City Manager's Report TO: HONORABLE Clfl' COUNCIL FROM: CITY MA."'AGER DEPARTMENf: PLANNING DATE: October S, 1995 CMR:433;9S SUBJECT: Evaluation or the DoWDt9wD On-Street Bicycle Parking Demonstration Project RE01JEST This is an informational report. a.,d no Council action is requested, The purpose of this report is to forward the Evaluation Report on the DowntmTI On-Street Bicycle Parlcing Demoostratioo project (Attachment I). The results of the year Ioug demonstration project in front ofCaffe Verona at 236 Hamilton Avenue have shown that the on-street bike parldng area bas been well used, is supported by a majcri!y of the adjacent businesses and bicyclists alike, and should be retained. Staff plans 10 modify the existing layout as depicted in Alternative A-3 (Exhibit 2 of the Evaluation Report). This design will accommodate up 10 eight bicycles and two motorcycles, but in a smaller area than is presently being used. The paOOng spaces on the south side of the block will be restriped 10 regain one of the two vehicle parking spaces los! during the demoos!ration period, RECOMMENDATIONS No Council action is reco=oded, POUCV IMl'UCAIIQNS The provision of biC)'cle parlcing facilities in the OO'Mltown is coosistent with Comprebensive Plan Transportation Policy 12: Promote bicycle use and Program 36: Continue 10 reqJire facilities for storing and locking bicycles at business and employment centers. EXECJITIVE SUMMARY In July 1994, an on-street bicycle pru-lOng area was installed in front ofCaffe Verona at 236 Hamilton Avenue as a demonstration project The project was implemented in response 10 a request from Caffe Verona's owner that the City install bike [a<'l.-.s in !he block to serve the needs of his customers who ride bikes, Typically, staff tries 10 accommodate bicycle pal1dng on sidewalks, in convenient locations where they will be CMRA)}~ PacelofC , J ,; used Ii.Dd where they do no( impe&; pedestrian traffic. or aCcess to adjacent vehicle parl-ing spaces. In the case of Caffe Verona. tlJere was no( • suitable location on tlJe sidewalk, due 10 the narrow width of the sidewalk and the need 10 provide ac«ss 10 the adjacent parallel parking spaces. The on-street bike parking plan was d'!veloped 10 remove the bicycles from being parked haphazardly on 1he sidewalk, 10 demonstrate a need b-bike parlcing and 10 test the type of oo-street bicycle parking area which has been implemented successfully in olDer communiries. The on-street bike parlcing plan has been in place roc over ~ yea!. Staff has monitored 1he use of 1he area during tIIat time, spoken with 1he !>usincs ses in the block, and consulted will> the Pal<> Alto Bicycle M,isofy Committee and the Chamber of Commerce Parking Committee. The full evaluation report on the demonstration project is included as Attachment l. The main findings of tile study are summarized as follows: ~ Based 00 random staff observations during tile }'ear and concentrated counts conducted by Cafre Verona management during Ajl'iI 1995. tile need for and use of bike racks in this location has been clearly demonstrated. These bike counts are pro,ided 00 Tables I and 2 of1he evaluation report. It was typical 10 find from three 10 six bikes parked in the racks. regardless of the time ofda)' or day ofweek. On occasions,1he racks were at or near capacity. Only during 1he extremely rainy periods last winter did bike counts decline. In addition 10 bikes, there was an lll1allticipated use of the area by one or tWO motorcycles on a regular basis. The motorcycles typically parked on the ends of tile bike parking area. in space no( odlerwise nsed by bicycles. Thus, in the CUfTen! area which comprises two parlcing spaces, a maximum of eight bikes and two motorcycles have been accommodated at the same time, This is a very efficient gse of space when compared 10 the fact tIla! tv.'o motorcycles alone coold legally occupy two fun parking spaces, Layogt Ind Design Alternatiyes Staff is satisfied that the current layout. in which the bikes are parked parallel, ratller than perpendicular. to t1Je curb, is the safest design for biC}'cJists. It allows them 10 pull completely out of tile traffic lane 10 dismount and park. However, during tile demonstratioo period. it W3S e\ident tIlalthe total bike parlcing area could be reduced in length and s!l1J provide adequate prolection for tile bikes and their riders. Staffhas developed len alternative layouts for tile bike parking area (see Exhibit 2 of tile Evaluation Report). The vanous alternatives ac<:ommodate from four to eight bikes, with or without motorcycle parlcing and/or portable landscape islands. All but one plan CMll;4l3:9'S -, Pate Z of4 .. \. ' _.-. , ~ • i , .' ;-;.'-'" ';-' (A!temaIive A-4) wiIIl1IIow staff to regain one of the two vehicle parking spaces used for the demonstration project, by restriping the south side of the block. PuMi<' Outrea,h In comments received from the Olamber of Oxnmerce, businesses in the 200 block of Hamilton. the Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee and the pob!:ic at large, Illere has been a general consensus that the bike parking demonstration has been suc<:essful. All parties agree that if the area is retained. it would be important to redesign it so that one of the two parking spaces it oow occupies could be restored for vehicle parking. Among !he eight ground floor businesses ill the block who responded to the survey, seven favored retaining the oo-street bike parking and six supported indU<!ing motOfCycle parking spaces. They were split, however, on the need for upgrading the area aesthetically (refer to ExhIbit S fOr complete results). CONC!.USION Based upon the success of the demonstration project, staff has determined that the bike parking area be retained but redesigned as shown in Alternative A-3 (Exhibit 2 of the Evaluatioo Report) to acooounodare up to eight bikes and two motortyc1es, and gain back one vehicle parking space. Staffbelieves it is more appropriate to keep the design simple, low oosI, and easily removable or ada~ble if conditions cllange and tr.e need fOr bike parking in this area diminishes. If planters were included. the Dumber of bike parlc''''g or motorcycle spaces would need to be reduced. While some coocerns were raised about the aesthetics of the project when the project was initiated. these issues are no( a primary <:oo<:em of the adjacent businesses. In addition, maintenance and the general appearance of any portable landscape feature cannot be assured. Staff anticipates a minimal munber of requests for sinular install ations in the future. To date. we have received three additiooal requests b bike parking facilities from downtown businesses, where 3D initial evaluation bmd that bike racks canno( be accommodated en the sidewalk. In the case of these or future req,"'sts, staff would evaluate each situation to determine if the following conditions exist: (a) a suffkient demand for bike parking, (b) no other viable options, (c) support of the adjacent businesses for 3D on-street bike parking area, and (d) the requesting business' agreement to inspect and clean the bike paddng area ;os necessary. before further consideration of the request: In other locations, it may be more appropriate 10 COI'.sider an even more compact layout similar to Alternative B-1. which would take up less space and potentially cooJd be installed in a red zooe at comers to provide improved sight lines, or with restriping which would no( impact the number of parking spaces on a block. . . -:. • -' _. ~ .-,/ .-; ,. FISCAl. IMPAct TM changes in the bike parking are. layout and res~l'ing of the parlcing stalls can be accomplished within existing budget resources of the Planning and PublK! Worh Departments, No additiof..a1 tim<!s are needed :Of this item. ATIACHMENTS I. On-Street Bicyele PaOOng Demoostratioo F\'ojecl Evaluation Repon 2, Related CMR:391:94. dated 7128194 3. C«responden<:e ~om. the Palo Alto Bieycle Advisory Coounittee Prepared By. Ga}1e Likens, Sewoc Planner Department Head Review: KENNETH R. SCHREIBER Directoc of Planning and CommuniI)' Env'.ronmenl 00: Palo Alto Bieycle Advise<y Committee Chamber of Commeree ParlOng Subcommittee Business Mailing liS! (200 Block cfHamiltoo) !-. "-'-\0-"- A IT ACUMENI' J ON-STREET BICYCLE PARJClNG PROJECT EVALUATJON REPORT 1.0 INTRQOUCTION Thi. repolt cJoc:umenIs the background a"ld purpose of !he <>nostreat bicycle parking clernons1ranon projecl. evaluaUon c(!he ml phase. publ'IC input and comments. anerna!iws analysis. and identificatioo ct a reeomt1'l<Of>ded plan f<lr a continuing <>nostree! bicytie par\<ing area, 2.0 SACKGROUND 2.1 l/e!Hi Hislolically, !he Cily has flsIaned bicycle racks ;, h! business dislrids. ncluding 00wnIa.n, Caflfornia Avenue, and Midlown, 10 serve \he neoos of customers. clients and shoppers vmo choose bicycles as !heir Iravel moc!e, kl recenl years, !he bicycle rac!<s have been upgraded 10 a slandard design, using hitching post style rac!<s or t'aditional type raci<s t1a! are simpl. ;, desig't. high profile, and easy 10 use, Most ct \he new bicycle raci<s have been ;,slaned along University Avenue balweer> Alma Streel and Websler Stree!, at midb!ock Iocalions adjacenl 10 Iree \!Ie" i slaoos or at COITlef$ ;, recessed Iocalions, EN<8y f;om pedestrian !raffle. As part of !he recenl Downtown c1eerHJp effort, detariorarlr>g racks at several comers along Universily Avenue ...... 'e replaced with the Mching po$! rac!<s. In ackf~1on 10 !hese bicycle parking spaces prov'.ded 10 "'" general pHlC by !he City. !he Zoning Ordinance, since 1978, has required developers 10 provide bicycle parking faCIlities for employees in aD new construction. These consist ct high seo..riIy bic:ycIe Ioci<e<s, or encIosU'es, for employee bicycR sts and bicycle rac!<s for "saor and customers. Typically, staff wO<l<s 10 creale bic:ycfe parking 00 sidewall<s at Iocaflons 16'here bicycle parking facilities are corwenienl and likely 10 be used, and where ""'y do not impede pedes!rlan Irafflc or access 10 adjacenl vehicle parl<.ing spaces. In recenl years businesses and customers on !he side streets, ;, "'" downtown area, have requested more bicycle parking facHities. Al.localions where "'" sidewall< is narro ... and access 10 street parl<ing mus! be maintained, iI is no! always possible 10 place bicycfe racks 00 !he sidewalk near businesses with demonstrated demand for bicycfe parking faclliUes. One approacfllhal has been used n several cilies. ncWng CI1ico and Seattle, but had not been Iri<o<l .. Palo AnG. is !he ;,staRation ~ bicycle racks withir> !he portico ct!he road normally unrozed for vehicle parking. 2.2 Qwo!1unily A (eques! for bicycle parking facilities ",as receivE:<! from !he owner of Caffe Verona. ...t'kh has many customers who ride bicycles. Due 10 the lack ct bicycle rac!<s on f1is bloc/< of Hamilton. bicycles ... ere parked haphazardly 00 !he sidewalk, againstlrees, sign posts, and !he buikflr>g facade, in a mame< lhal raised coocems aboul pedestrian On-Streat ~ Par1c.r1g Report _ber1995 .'-.-~-------- Page 1 , " , .-. " j . -, ,.--. . ':: ... ; ·'.-f. ": _~ c. ~.-:.....::..~ --~--..:.... -. o access and safely. $ubsequenl1o!he requesllrom Caffe Verena, staff rece:ved simITar req.,esls t-om other b\.'Stnesses atlocafiOOs whE;re 1he sidewalk dimensions and parl<ing configuratiOO preclude placing bicycle racks on 1he sidewall<. The s1dewall<.on!he south s~e 0( Hami~on is 8 feel wide. S:cycle racks could be accommodale::! on fle sidewalk and no! impede pedestrians, W bicycles \lIOOId bfOCk access at \he tufb 10 !he adjacent paranel parking spaces, and polentiar.y could be damaged bY ears backing n and out 0( Ihs pOO<ing stans. The Calfe Verona location appeared 10 be su~able for a !rial 0( an on-slreet bicycle parking area. W!1Jle!he If"'l .,slanallon was proposed 10 be situated ., Ironl of Calle Verona, llie bicycle racks were inlended 10 serve !he needs of any and ar. of 81e bus iMsses and customers ., Ihst en~re block 01 Hammon A~I>nue The plan would also prollide a test 01 an on-streel bicycle patl<ing for a potential sman number 0( otr,er areaS 01 !he !>oJSiMSS district 2.3 kWaITaflOO In July 19&4, staff implemented !he on-slre~t bicycle paOOng demonslfalion project The ptan deveklped bY staff included !he ;"slanalion 01 two bicycle racks 10 hold up 10 eighl bicycles, wi+.h si~ and raise::! COOO'ele berms 10 shield and separate !he riders and lheir biC)'des from U1e movement 01 vel'.ic!e s in and out o(!he adjacent parking spaces. This plan rewned ., !he loss of two 01 !he ten paO<ing spaces "" \he south side 0( Hamift","! Ave."""", .., fron! 01 Calle Verona. Since this was \0 be a demonslraflO!l ;"stanalion. with an iniliaillial period 01 approximately six months, a design was deveJoped based on safely and CO/lvenience for tie users, and cost COIlSideraflons. The implemented design was simple and lurdionat Pubftc. Worl<s OperatiOnS staff inslaned 81e bicycle racks, signs, and temporal)' islands using existing resources and available materials. The bicycle parking could tleve been ac::oovnodated n an area less !han two fun pa!l<ing spaces, W more !han one space. I would have been possible 10 res!ripe !he en!ire side 01 !he block. at additiOl'.aJ expense, 10 gain back one 01 tie two pa<\<ing spaces 00 Hami~oo Aver>.J€ <luring !he demooslraflOO period. However, s!aI'f did no! feel I \IIOUId have been appropriale 10 maKe m<l(e extensive and costly s1rip1ng changes than necessary, given !he uncertainly about !he sel<>cled bicycle paOOog area layout and lemporary nature 0I1he demonstration plan. 3.0 EVALUATION AND ISSUES 3.1 ~ The layout 01 \he bicycle parking area "'.xing !he demons!rafion period is l6enUfied in Exhibll1. The bicycle racks .... ere instaned in \he center 01 !he area, facing inward, .... ith sufflCieni distance 10 accommodale parked bicycles. and a 5-foo! aisle for loading and unloadIng Ihe blcycles (!his is a standard requiremenllor an bicycle paOOog faoTrties inslaned under !he Cilfs zQ()ing ordinance). An additional 6 fee! ssp",ales!he bicycle racks t-om fle asphan berms al either end of !he bicycle parking area. 3 feet from \he befm 10 !he signs and poles, 10 accommodate !he overhang 0( Ihe ircrt or rear car ~,and an addi~ 3 fee! 01 separatioo to !he bicycle racks, lor circulation around t-.e t-on/ 0I1he bicycle rack. ~MII BiC'fdeo paro:ng Report September 1995 ....... "" ..•......•..... .. . :---.. .. Page 2 • .- . ~;~i.::>t'<:· -. -, ," Dl;ring !he demO<lslration period, iI became apparent that Ihe area could be re"'.ICed in len<Jlh and stin provide adequate protection roo-!:>icyc~sts and 1I1eir bicycles. However, an une>q:>ected ouIcome of Ihe 1rial was !he use of !he area between !he wehicle paI1<i'Ig spaces and I'\e sign pelle. by moIorcycles. This subject is disru.sed fur\l1er under I'\e "Usage" section of Chis r&!'Ol1 (Section 3. 3~ Staff Is salisfied fhal1I1e positior.ing of !he bicycfe racks so !hat bicycles are parked parane~ rathe< !han perpendicu!ar, lG !he curb is 1I1e safest design lor bicyc~.ts. Bicyclisls are allie to pull completely out of !he traffIC Iar\e to Gismounl and pari< S'>eir bicycles. Staff had considered an anemative plan hI 'MOUld have placed ll1e bicycles perpendicular to !he curb. This plan \lIO'.Ad have required !hat bicyc[;sts slow do<m and slop in I1e tafflC lane to Toad a'ld unload bicycles from !he racks. Due 10 c:oncerns about safety of bicyclists and 1heir impact an moving !raffle an Hamilton, !his anemative was roI puo-sued. 3.2 Aes!heljcs and Design W'rtan implementing tafflC in"p"ovements lor a \rial periOO of six 10 !wel,e mooths, such as lemporary street closu"es, L-afflC c1rcfes, or median isTands, 1he design is purposefully l<epI simple, ~ing relatively low cost ,,,,aler;aTs; which, if needed, could be removed or relocaled withoul • ignifrcanl flme and expense. Siaff appnad !he same approach"r1 desigUng !he bicycle par\<if1g demonstration project AvanabTe malerials, s.JCh as c:oncre!e tire slops (normany fculd in parking lot stalls) and fiexiNe sign poles, were used. TIle bicycfe racks inslaned in S'>e streel are typical of bicycle racks ",slaned aTong sidewalks on University AlIer<Je and Cal~omia Avenue. An ot S'>ese feallKe. could have been removed or refoca!ed relatively ea. iti "I, dlI"01g !he COUfse ot 1I1e L-ial period, ~ was determined !hal moarfica!ions were required fa( safely or other reasons. A.!T1Ofe aes!he!ic plan ccu!d be arno..ng I'\e design options developed fa( a long IeIm inslanaUon. The bicycle paOOng area could be emanced by other design !eallKes, . Such a. permanenl islands 0< raised planters, landscaping, 0< pavement treatrneol 3.3 ~ h late April. 1he C>M1er of Calfe Verona \!las asked to keep a log fa( one _ek ci \he nunber ci bjcycfes pa!1<ed in !he bicycle rad<.s, at ~ve 1ifferenl ~mes each day. Staff requested !hal f1e observations ~ ",ode from B:()().8:30 am., 1 O:()o'lO:30 a.m.. noon- 12:30 p.m., 2:30-3:00 p.m. and 5:~.-OO p.m.. to capture usage c!ur01g both peak and oIf peal< periods. The resuns of an of !he SlXVeys are provi<led in Table 1. The SlXVey l'odicaIes flaIlhe bicycle rack \!laS used regularly tvoughot.A \he day an weekdays, as weC as an SallKday and Sunday. ConIrat)':O slaffs e>q:>ectaftOns, !he highest counts were dumg !he mid-afternoon and early evening . .., addition, <l.rring \he past year, slaff has been compiling random observaUoos of \he bicycle paOOng area ""age. These cbservatioos also connrm the demand for bicycle pat\<ing",!his block. Thee'" six bicycles were typ;;;any observe<!. On ocxasfons, I1e racb appeared at or near capacity. Staff did noIlake regular counts during the rainy On-Street 8ic:yde Parking Report _bet'99S Page 3 . "'-'. Q season. vm..n V'le usage 0( ihe bicycle racl<s OOclined subslantiany. However, when V'le weaIhe< was clear, usage 0( t1e racKs resumed. A summary 0( random observafions from February 10 August 1995 is provided in Table 2 1hese crunls indicate that a bicycle paOOng area with capacity for at Teast four bicycles is needed at this location, but in periods 0( high demand, Ihe additiooal four parking space bicycle rack 'OIOUId be desirable. OtneIWise, overllow bicycle paOOng Y>'O'.JId likely shift back 10 Ihe sidewalk. As dlseu<;sed in Ihe "Mematives' sectkln 0( this report (Seclion 4.0). a biCycle par1<ing area for four or e ighl bicycles can be accommodated with 1he loss 0( onfy one of &he ten parl<ing spaces, on Ihe sou!h side 0( Hamillon Avenue. h addition 10 bicycles, lher. wa s an unanticipated use 0( &he area by two moIo<cycles on a regular basis, rocafing t'ler. is a demand for motorcycle parking in &he vicini!y. />J.least one moIorcycle was oosarved during at least two counl periods on each day 0( Ihe SUfVey. Observaflons indicate !hat &he motorcycles tand 10 park two !>Ours or longer. Since tley are par1<ed wilNn tle bicycle parking zone. lhey OO·,e no( been sutject 10 c~aOOn forovert1me par1<ing. Motorcycles that par'~ in the adjacenl vehicle parking spaces 'OIOUId be subject 10 h! 2-hou' paOOng rule. On-street motorcycle pafXing spaces have been inslaned along University Avenue, b\.( no( elsewhere in the down1own. On UniverslIy Avooue. tle moIorcycle parklng spaces are located at Ihe inlersecflOl'ls, in short cub areas be .... ,ooo crosswaiks and nearby free weD fslands These areas were previously dasignated no paOOng zones, which could no( olheiwise be !.'Sed for vehicle par1<ing. 3.4 ~ Tr.e bicycle paOOng demonstration project was implemented al a cost 0( approximatet)' $1.700. incIusfve 0( raber and materials. 3.5 partsm !mPad Prior 10 V'le beginning 0( Ihe demonstration project Chare were 17 two-l1oo.I' parl<ing spaces'" this block 0( Hami!l.on Avenue, lOon !he sou!h side and 7 on Ihe norlh side. There is also one wMe passenger loading zone on !he I1O<1h side 0( Ihe bloc!<, adjacenllo Oslen. Restaurant Parking demand is very high in !his block, as in oiher ~ areas 0( OOwnIown. These spaces are usua~y runy parked from mid-morning on. The bicycle par1<ing project resu~ed in Ihe removal 0( two 0( !he parking spaces on V'le sou!h side o(!he stree~ cIurV1g Ihe demonstration period. The loss 0( partsing is a major concern 10 some 0( Ihe businesses on Ihe blocl< and !he Chamber 0( Commerce (as discussed rater in this report). 0ur0lg !he period o! h! demonstraflOO project, !he color zone partsing system was impIemenIed. PrenmL""'Yobser,aiions by &he Ponce Oeparimenl indicate lhellhere are rr.ore vacant vehide spaces avanabfe on-street,. and in off-street lots, Uvoughout the oo.mlO'wn, except at lunchfime, as a resuH 0( Ihe ooIor zone paOOng system. 3.6 Maiotenance The issue 0( maintenance was reviewed "'ith Ihe Public Woos Department, before !he demonstraflOl'l project was ilr1>lemented. Because Ihe Tayoul used raised OrrS1rMl: ~ Pill1<:in~ Report September't995 Page 4 '. . ;: ,-~- , ... concrale Vre-slop blocks placed at a sharp angie 10 !he curb, p\.obrlC Works street sweeping aews i1dicaled I'ley would not be able 10 sweep wil11in !he ~cyc!e parking area, or WI tle rnmedialeTy adjacenl parking sta n s, dYe 10 !he wide IUrning radius requirements d tle slreeI s-..veepe<s. ~ a CXX1dition d inifiafing !he demonsfration project, Caffe Verona management agreed 10 inspecllhe area and clean i manuany as necessary. The area has been I<epI cre"" and clear of debris by !he cafe persomel, except during \he heavy falns in Ja",-""),, when !he gutle< becam<l <:Iogged with leaves and deIlr'.s. Calfe Verona management ... as contacted, and !he area was cleaned prompOy. The PubfIC Works Operar","s Divisicn has not been caned on 10 perform any street SWgeping well< c:kIV>g Ihe demonstration period. However,!here ha s been a need for' some general mainlenance of !he bicycle parlting instanation during !he demonstrafion period. PIb!ic Wori<s opera!lons has been ouIlo rebo~ lPe bicycle racks twice, repair \I1e COIlCIllIe bloc:l<$ !wice, and replace !he fleXJble posts once. 4.0 LAYOUT DESIGN ALTERNATIVES n order 10 provide a ron!ex! for discussion ~ pote<'~ia! a1\ernatives 10 the curren! layo<A. of tle bic)'cIe paOOog area, staff has developed a set of ten a~emabve conceptual configurafiOl"lS. Within each grouping !here is a desigllor storage of lour ~ycles (one rack) and for' eigN bicyc!es (two racks). n "U!Tunary, !he grooJPings are as follows: {1} basic plans, (2) basic pians plus planlers, {3] bas ic plans plus motorcycle pa1OOg. and (4} basic plans plus motorcycle patl<ing and planters. Staff established some basic minimum desigl requirements for each of !he ~emafives; • Re!en!ion of nine parl<¥1g spaces along !he sooth side 0( Hami1lon, or a net gain done spa<:e over demcnslraflOl1 plan (or Toss of one parking space from !he origirlal striping plan priof 10 !he instanation of !he dernoostraUon project). • Pa,ldng spaces musI be a mil'limum of 20 fee! long. except spaces al !he two comers, where 1 a fool staTIs are considered adequate, since they are adjacenl 10 red curbs. • Avoidance of an mamo!e covers, utility boxes, etc, 10 maintain access 10 an underground utilities 1n the patl<ing laf'es. • Aligrvnenl d V1e bicycle parlting area dkecUy n front of Caffe Verona, ,ather flan <>!her businesses on !he block, 10 !he extent feasible. • Maintain a <Sesign that <!ces not compromise !he safetj of bicyclis\s en!eringTexiting !he blcycre patl<ing area, and provides sufficienl prolectlon of bicycles an" riders from vehicle mo,ements in adjacenl parlOOg stans. • Refain minimum reel cum. of 3 fee! at Bryan! Street and 10 feet al Emerson Street The anerna~ves are described below and soown graprucany on Exhib<1 2, and a eomparlson d Ihe key fealures of !he anernaflves is provided on Exhiba 3. On-StIee:I Bicyde ParJting RepoJt Seplember1995 ~.~C_---......, _____ ~_..--~----• . , Page 5 ., / " ot1 Basic Layou! , , .' These .nernatives include only a bicycle racl< and !he signage and curbing 10 prevenl motor vehicles, n f1e adjacenl parldrog spaces, from encroacl1ing inlO "" bicycle area Memalive A·': storage for 8 bicycles, 2S feet in length AIIemaliva 8-1: storage for 4 blcycles, 19 feet in Ieoglh 4.2 Basic la:w« Plus Plan!m A second set a anelY'.aUves adds landscaped planlers 10 !he bo3ic bicy<:le parking layout These planters are shown conceptuany as round objecls 48 fee! in dial'r.eter. on \he figures in 1his repon They are p<<lpOsed \0 be f(eestar.a\09, """,able planIen,1l>hich could be easily relocated or removed at • future time, j{!he bicycle paOOng area vras not needed dJe 10 changes in usage; or had \0 be relocated \0 better se<ve !he businesses and bicycl':'Og cuslom,"s in !he area" Planlers or other landscaping features of similar or sman", size could be subsmUled without affecting !he overan design a !he parking areas" AltefT'.ative "'·2 storage for 8 bicycles, 35 reel in length, with 2 planlers Alternative 8-2a: slorage lor 4 bicycles, 23 reet in length, with 1 planler Mema!ive 8-2b: storage for 4 bicycles, 2B reel in length, with 2 planters ·u Basic lam with Motorcycle Parking llIese altema6ves were developed 10 pl'ovide \WO moIorcycie parking spaces within !he bicycle parking area, n response \0 !he regular usage a !he exisftng bicycle patl<ing area by one \0 two motorcycles" Each mOlorcycle parldrog space would be 4 feel long. The bicycle parldrog layouls with motorcycle par1<iflg could be accommodated in an area sfJghlly smaner !han !he previously discussed ahemaUves with planters" This is a mo<e ec<l<'lOmi<:al and effICient way \0 pl'ovi<!e motorcycle pa<l<k\g Chan by having \he motorcycles occupy a standard vehicle parking space, whicl1 is permitled by law, and is noonany 20 10 21 feel long" MemaUve A-3: slorage for 8 bicycles and two molorcycles, 33 feet in fength Mernativa 8-3: storage for 4 bicycles and two motorcycles, 26 fee! in lenglh ,,"4. Basic LaycM wilh MotOCtq'cle Parlsing and Planters These ahemaOves combine an of !he feaMes include" in !he previous a~emaUves" Alternative A-4: slorage lor 8 blKOS, 2 motorcycles and planters; 42 fee! in length AIIemalive 8-4a: sI<>rage for 4 biKes, 2 molorc~cles, one planter, 30 reel ",lengIh Memafiva B-4b: storage for 4 bikes, 2 molorcycles, \wo planters; 34 feel long Since ahemafive A-4 requires 42 feet of curb length, ~ camo( be implemenled withol.( f1e loSs a two vehicle parking spaces" Staff does no! recommend Iha! !his opliOO be COC'\$idered further" PageS " ".',~-. . "" . . l 5.1 Calfe Varona Owner The owner 0( Caffe Verona, Ken Artuni an. reports Ihat !he C'fl-street bicycle <Iamonstra!ior. project has been ...... " rec.eived by his cuslomers, and he woufd liKe 10 see an on-sIreet ~ pari<.ing area retained. He is satisfied with !he current Iocafion or !he area. blA I>'OU!d support a plan !hal '6OJId accoovnodate four 10 eight bicycles and restore ane vehicle p3I1OOg~. He ~ .. les!hal he is wiiling 10 continue 10 keep the area clear 0( debris .. ""Id ieavas, since l camot be .. ",ept by !he street sweeper. 5.2 Maceo! Busjoe» Owners St2ff personally conlac!ed an or Ihe ground floor relan businesses in the subject block 0( Hamilton !weAR, 10 asa!rtain flair views on I'>e demonstration pcojecl. Business owners were provided with a summary hi .tcry 0( \t'.e project. bicycle parl<ing usage data (Tables 1 and 2). and Ihe anemative bicycle parking area layouts. The business ~ were requested 10 complete a SlXV9y foml (see Exhibit 4), in wlticn !hey were asked 10 share !heir views on Ihe <!emonstraUon projed and whe!her or no! !hey would support keeping the on-slreet bicycle parking area, if ~ were recluced in size to take up only one parking space - A Iolal or seven survey fomls .,."9re re!urned. The key resun~ are summarized i1 the following table (compTete resuns provided in ExhiM 5). SURVEY QUESTlON 1~ he )IOU 6'Na.re of customers wtlo 11a\le use~ the on-street bicycle paoo"ll area? 2. Would you support keeping o,,"slreet bicycle parting area it iI: were reduced' in sJ.ze '10 use one vehicle parfli"ll space instead of two? 3. ... ye~ to 12 above, do you feei the fonowlng design features or I bk:y<:ie pa!1ting area are importanl? .!ncJu<Ie mot=ycIe spaces .Include aes.thefic realures s.LK:ti as landscaping. planfers YES NO 4 4 7 , 6 2 3 4 As indicated, a majorily or !he businesses responding 10 !he SlXYe i support the concepI or keep;ng ..... on-street bicyc1e parl<ing area, it if requires Ihe loss 0( oniy one par\<ing space. The reacnon 10 ir>cltxftng motorcycles was generally positive, although one business D\6Iner noted Ihal pcovio'"tng molorcycle parl<ing, which is used pr'rnarily by employees, does no! reany help his customers. The reaction 10 provicong a more aesthetic Irealrnenl produced mtxed comments from • A cily can a"-"ays use I00I"'' colorful plants and fio""ers· 10 "'Na need more parl<ing, no! planls.' ~ SIcyde PasUlliiI Report SepIomber ,.9S .. Page 7 • · ' "~"." . - :-"'" ::'4 1" -. ... ,; . ~-j-:::. • --~~':<:fl:£d;:~;;j:, ;_,-,,-,~_,~ , One business O",ne< expressed extreme displeasure with 1116 on-slreet demonstration p<aject, and Mocated lhat {!;e p<aject had been detrimental 10 his business, bIA his oomplairols extended beyond !his particui<lf "sue 10 !he overan par\<lng siluatloo downtown. More !han one business o .... "er commen!ed !hat some ~icyC" sIs stin par!< on !he sidewalk. even v.!1en space is ava~able in the on-streel rack. I was suggested IhaI the City or Cafre Verona take additional measures 10 discourage thaI behallior, Severa! businesses on the sou!h side 0( the block also expressed an inlerest in deslgnating a 1010 20 minute zone 10 accommodate customer. who need 10 parle for a very short time, 10 make a pick up or drop 011, 5,3 Chamber 0( Commerce Parkioo Su!>-C9mmitlee Staff met with the Cha_ 0( Commerce Parking SutrCommitlee on August 30, 1995, Committee members expressed a consensus opinion thallhe on-streel paI10ng demonsIra6on was effective and 'IIOIl<ed wen. If LOa bicycle parking area remains in some form, Chamber members wou!<I prefer !hat it only occupy fo'le equivalant 0( one parking space. Members agreed IhaI motorcycle parking should be accommodated only 10 !he extenl that iI can f~ within lhe one parking space des ign The Commitlee expressed reservations and coocarns abouI fo'le polenltal prolIferation o(requesls lor on-slreet bicycle parking facilities. They requested that flffil criteria be deveJoped lor fle evaluation o(future requesls. Slall 'Io'ouId expect a fim~ed number 0( requests lor simnar inslanarlOOs, In !he case 0( future requests, slall would evalua!e each situation 10 delennirn; if fo'le fo!Io-.Mg conditions exist {a) a suff ... ..ienl demand for bicycle parking, (b) no olher viable opIions, (c 1 support 0( !he adjacent businesses for an orrstreel bicycle parKing area, and (d) !he requasting business' Bg<eemenl 10 inspect and clean !he bicycla parking area as netassat)', before fu<1her consideration 0( fo'le request In olher TocaflOOS, iI may be more appropriate 10 considar an even more compact layout similar 10 Alternative 8-1. w!1iell \WOUld lake up tess space, One member cf the Commitlee inquired as to wt>elher !he City should reimburse the Assessman! Districl for !he loss 0( one par1<ing space, Stall responded that Ihe on slreet parking did not fa ~ within fo'le asses smenl district. \O'I;iell pertains only 10 !he off sIreeI patlUng Tots,ltlerefore,lhere is no ~sis for reimbursement. FlKIher.1he loss 0( one pow1Wlg space must be vieY.Ied in fle context o(!he changes that oe<:ur in !he loIal number cf paII<ing spaces C>Vef nme, in the downt".." area. For example, 'n recent years, slall has instan"c1 over 100 additiOnal orrstreat par1<ing spaces in Ihe c:Iownlown area, Ihrough festriping 5.4 Palo Alto BjCYcie Advisory CommjUee The Palo Alto BiCYCle M"iSlX'j Commie"e (PARAe} reviewed \he anernafi',es lor fle CJr>-slreet bicycle pBflting area at its Juty 11 and October 3 rnaetings. PABAC beneves that !he need for bicycle parl<ing OJ !he viclnlly cf Calle Verone ha 5 been demonstraled, and endorses Ihe contlnualion 0( an on-street ~cle par!<ing area n lhis block 0( Hamilton. /'J. a minimum. a per:maneni bicycle parking area shoukl be able 10 On-Street 9'cyde Pn"ng Report ~1995 PageS , .- ".--, ~e IO\.f bicycles. and more capacity is desirable. The Coonmittee supports 1M currenllayolJ( of the racks, which anows the bicycle rider 10 enler and ex~ the stream of hltfoc: safely. '.0 CONClUSIONS In conclusion. slaff beneves the demonstralion project !las shown the need for ~ par1<ing facilities in Ihls Iocalion. and the approac!ll<> placing !he bicycle racks in !he street r>g.'l-d-way !las been successflA, from a usage and safely standpOinl The layoul of the bK:ycIe racl<s (perpencftCUlar I<> fhe curb) prOliides the ,r>ax;mum safety for bicyclists 10 pull completely O\A of 1M adjacenllraffic fane, 10 park fheir bk..-ycles. The response 10 fle prcjec! from fie bicyc~"9 commuruly, and adjacenl businesses, !las been positive and supportive of keeping the oo-street bicfCle facility in some form. Based upon 1M success of the demonstration project, s1aff has delerm ined thai the bicycle pa!i<rog area should be retained, but redesigned 10 gain back one vehicle parking space by reslripi1g fie parking on 1M south side of !he streel The reconfigured bicycle parking area would include eighl b1cycles and !WO moiorcycle parking spaces, a s shown in A.'emawe 10.-3. Page 9 . .;. ... ~ :. -. , . ~.;c)) ... :.' " ... :, :.. 8:00-8:30 ..... l,::;::: .. ::<· ' 1I."tt .. M"';~"· "''''''''y 4124 2 1 f""0<1",, 4125 3 1 We&lesday 4/26 1 " Tlusclay 4121 2 Fridov 4128 t 3 So"",'" 4.129 4 0 1_4130 2 0 W< S/3 2 0 r...-y.srg z 0 CITY Of PALO ALTO OfUTllfET BICYClE PAllKlNG AT CAfFE \'to"""'" USAGt; S\JAVEY APRIl. 1995 10,00-10-.30 .... 1200-12030 ...... 8il~ Mot",""":; .. Mo. Mo';,..,..r. 2 0 3 1 0 0 0 4 0 2 1 0 0 4 0 4 5 t 4 0 3 t 0 z,3li.3ioo ...;.:.:. ,.:. .:,~.~:oo:~::: M .. .,;,,""""" .. 8it.~ "~''',.' r '~-': i /:t 3 0 3 1 5 4 0 • 2 0 3 Z 4 2 3 0 5 0 Z 0 4 1 3 2 1 0 3 1 • e T~~ __ '--- -- ON-5TREET B1CYCU PAIUONG .. T CAFFE VERONA USAGE SURVEY 00< •. T1mo _ of 81cycro In 8r: On-Stt.et RIk:'b Frid.". 2/17 10=-00 •. m. S gI Tue 2/21 10:00 ,.m.. 5 Friday. (fI 10:45 a.m. 4 of " .. oocfly. 4110 12:45 .p. IT\, 1 or 6000 .m. 4 Tuud 4/11 5,45 .m. 7 • "'4 Ncoo 5 Frid .4121 S,1:Sa.m.. 2 4128 lG:30 I.m. 5 of Frida 5/12 11:00 a.m 4 .f Monda ~!)I1S '1:30 I,m 3 .f Wednesday 5/11 t2:30 p.m. 5 or 6000 .m. 5 Ttursd .5/18 4000 .m S of .5/19 10:00 ... m. 3 of Suncla 5/21 ,2 Noon 17 of 6/3 10-.30 '.m. 7 df WtKfnesda • 6n 11);4& I.rn. 3 .f S."..,da 6/'0 11:30 •. m. 4 df Mord. .6/1l 7:30 .m. " <If T • 11113 9,30 .m. S mo T_ .6120 7:30 .m. 6 Wednesda • 6/.21 11:10 •. m. 3 1'hufscJay. !Si22 11:00 •. m. 6 .c.l~ .m. " Frid .6123 11:00 I.m. 3 friday. 1/'14 11:00 I.m 6 mo HlO .m. 7 Tu .8115 B:l0 .m. • df 8/1 11:00 I.m. • ,----,- ~-------------,-------------Jt2:.T---=--"----,-. ..-. ..-... .. 1 C-Mf"~ -VWOH A- 20<... \..\"M~IUD"\ ",:, I c\,,", f':> . . ';1 (?l)~ \I"l~ 6cCL-tW f'<U14~ (I,"<f ...,. &IJ B.c.'/Gl- PM!14 j "'.fJ5r,.. 0. ... 4. T':lfc. L.....:c..:..::.:....:..:.:::..:> '\c'}'~1<M I'.I<~ fJ.." r (// t-i s· v-~ · ~ .- BICYClE PAlU<IlIIG MEA ALTERNATIVES " AI. TEl\KATIVE .... -t J .~_ ~II< f 11---;;. 2S' <> --"""""~ I M ~I~ I AL TEIINA TIVE A-2 1---_ ----.. 35' ... -----_I -I /------... 13' ... I " " ->-~ " EXHIBITl BICyCtE PARKING AREA Q Al TERNATlVES ALTEANATM A·3 1------- f " F'---- 0--42' 000 ----- ALnJU-lATIVE B-4<I ALTElWATM B-4b . ...f . '-- , .. ..: .-," ON-STR£ET BICYClE PARKING ALTERNATIVES Attemadves fOf 'tOfag. of 8 bic)'des Ahemaciv •• wl1h 510<"9. fo< 4 bicycle. AhA-I AIt A-2 AhA-3 Aft A-4 AIt 8-1 Ah 8-2. Ah B-2b Aft 8-3 AIt B-4a All B-4!J iIi~'cie Are. • ••• .. .' • . :D. . r./., . .. Y .' ...... .. . " . '. ' . , b ... ke spaces 8 8 S 8 4 -4 -4 4 4 4 Total Length 25' 35' 33' 42' 19' 23' 28' 26' W-34' Plant",. no re !iif2 no ves no ';9S/1 ves/2 no yesll yes,"2 Motorcycles no no yes yes no no no y-ss ves yes ~e ...... .. . "11 .. . .... • 18-' spaces t I 2 I I 2 1 t 1 2 20' spaces 2 8 5 2 --5 -4 5 6 2)" spaces 6 2 5 8 5 -3 2 t 22"'" spaces - - --2 3 1 1 - Toral Spaces 9 9 9 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 ~m8ry<>f .. ' Dimensions ~):.e Parking 25' 34' 33' 42' 19' n' 28' 26' W-34' • Vehlele 184' 178' 178' 163' 186' 205' 184' 183' 182' I. 11]' Parking !\eel CUrb at Ramona 3' 3' 3' 3' 3' 3' 3' a-3' a- at EmerSOfl 15-12 13' 19' 19' H' 12' 15' 12' 13' Total length 227' 221' 221' 221' 221' 221' 221' 227' 221' 227' " .. ~-' ;-;; EXHIBIT. CITY OF PAW ALTO O.-Street B~cI. Oem.nstra!!oD Project Basin ... Survey I. Whr.I are your impresssioos about the on-street bi<)'cle pul:ing demonstra!ioo ~ect' 2. Do you know if any of your Cll.<tomers have used !he bi1<elmo!occycle pandng area? __ Yes __ No 3. What eommenIs have you heard from your c.rnomcrs about the OII-slreel t>ilre parldng demooslnllicn pcojeCl1 4. Would yO\l !lUppoc1 keeping an on-street bike parking are. in lhis block if it were reduced in sa.: 10 take up ooly one p.oong space instead of two'. __ Yes __ No. C<lmments: s. If you answered yes 10 f4, please commenl On !he relative importance of following aMi!lonaI polential design parameter> for !he bike parldng area: I) The bike pming area should include motorcycle parldng spaces. __ ·Ye, __ No. C<l=nts: ..... ' "-;' , --. tI} The hike parkin8 ar •• should b<: upgraded a.sth.~.ny. with plantm Of od>er fe.tult'5 __ Ves __ No. Ccmme"'" 6. 1'kase p<l3Ye my other comments looul \he bike parlOn8 demonstratioll yOIl reel we sboold know. B~ss. ___________________ __ A~5, ____________________ ~ Oayk Lil=s, Senio< Planner Tnnspcrtali<m Oivision City ofFal<> Alto P.O. Bel( 10250 Palo Alto, CA 9431>3 -- r. _ : ... ..:.!. .~, ' E.l1!blt 5 Oil-Street Bicycle DemoDstratioD Project Busrnt!1 Survey S~JI1mal7 or So n'ey It6PO;05eI .$efOl'l1k project 6iC)Cfes Mre c.1tQ!ne4 10 rM treer or foU aver and btocl.: tlte IiJewalJ: S'o we think tltfl is # acelknllolutfOll. -l.fllee II very I:'t'U~JJ ~[Jf ih(lf if raW XtOrt spa.;e lhan lIec~Jja,y -Ajkr nading t1J, &at:kgl'OU"d ufdte prGjec1 il JeelfU dtat CaJJe YUan" "Would t>e"e.lil/rolfl. bjcycle alJ ftO.fCNC)lCk JHU1ing area. The lass of /'tv(J par'kil'lg spoca em Hamiltorr AWm.lt dOfi 1101 tbstwr'b t1th &vsinnl or flS emptoyeesll am kfl witlt "posi{i~ tmprlZssfoll oftht parking tlemD-pl'Oject. -WI Aavt • CfU paning proMe .. wet. bib pqrling p,obl~1JL 1t IOMS a probkm tlJa, aoem ~I exi5t. &diikl1. -h lakes JiP WO ~d: lIahlohlt jl4rTdng spaces.. The bi')"'le O1t1IeN shU tiM ~ ~ it I conSfOlttfy su !oihr c!urfNilto I1tt lren wtt!t only one hEb II! the assiped spa« . ..ArIsu ftOt0rist8 in. (/;enlort caunlerprodu~liY£ . .[ l#Jinl ft u. good it/ell, 1JxaI pecplL can qcle kerf! ;"sleof/ of dri',..illg -I am ". ntpport o/mc:rtased ~;cyr;k parbitg in dOWflIO'WPf Palo AltQ. I feel it offers _ COfrWltiem opticm to drMng 4a .... 'lI10WfL It is lmp-.;»1QIlt I() deveTbp a!(€M1ative.s 10 car fJruet/ crarupal't<1tiOl! .m dtc ~10'»'1riJrtQ. 2. Do :rou bow if .01 ol)'our customen bve IISed abc bike Q'loton:ydc p.rkine area? Y .. 4 N. 4 c..mm..1s: -I wou1d fbubt if any of (}tIr cwstomP'$ ~ rlre space. -Most oforu cwstome,., place rlrrir !JfM tfirectly illjionJ of our-slOr~ and'or bring t/U!ItI inside. A kuge b;qc1e area .'ould /H-Inosl Dpprecialed;zs /f1any o/our t;JtJ:lomer-s bi1:.r to our shop. 1. What commU!ts b..~e. '0. ft.eanl' fcom your ~\lstQmeo aboul t1u on-street bikt p1l.000r; .,.", ........ 6 •• pnlJ«t! -I"tNO,abk br _",/ -JI?u>t J b ...... hard har b«>I favorobk -"Om., tlrey part dIefr blhJ somewhere etu' .. -NotJrtng fOOd. Our ClWornen VI01i.ld rarher see II sllOn un" wading zone for picl-ups e#c. I gd complaints dai'ly a60Id par&ng. -IJ't%ed -''1nhs sTluufri/rxm ~e parad tntJN effidemfy rhan 0'11 busy street'" -J{oneyet M05l ~opu who utilize their bieycws ojiCIt have jOu.nof 1/ h:J flU,'ir liking HOlllC\Jer •• 'f! have IIod few dina comments ahoul it.. -."'.-: .... WlCtUld yOIl aupport "~pift, an o .... street b.iU paMnz uea itt thts blo<:1I. .. it wen~ rtduct:d in ~ u tnt up oDly ont' parklo, :lpaen 'instead ortfl'o! y", , N<Y. 1 c-Cs ~ lulWeell rows r;)bilu is • kJt MOre tAa" ltecess<Iry -l ~ ton • ~toJJter dU( /() lock o[bi')ICk p~ng. I jqye k;:;t 11//lldreds of cwtOMfrs due lllltJd <>fear parTiing. ~{SIlpportl Jfdl, bib OWM1'S tv<nl!J list it instead of the trees. ~r.1 thin! fj sAould he apomied or at she WI'}' least trlt:inlQifltd al iTx cunfnt site. S. H J'01t .tnswtred' ~ tD .... plcilSC c:arnme.at 00 tht rtlatIn import4PCc: of the roDowin, ademonat po1eatW &:sip pafi.rnete.rI for tM biU ,srkin, area: v.. , Ns 1 -M"orol'cydeJ "OW ofta loll. Mp whole car par-brig sp(JCe . . n.e 11Tf1JltJrCyCks (11m pari iJlere every day Qt"f o*'ned by P!?Op1e who worl: m rhjr bbxk. ney parie early.m4 stU)' aD duy, No help LQ CtLftomers or c!iems -l'7te Jt3age $W"1.1£j' fnt/tcafetlIhOllnotarc;ycln 1I:5t' the parbilg project lft/ley can ~ ir chey mould fhcfu4e IftOtOf"C)'C1e pqrJ;in: spoces . • A...1Jer7fflliW~.l. 1.4£3 ~ better. -nts way diey dt»J '1 tate lip parking spaces. fnell Wry part ot emIr of paT1..ing SPQ(;Q.. ~ a1V afrtd4o{11itti"g OIem ""eJI' dty an!" parl:fng meir curs.. .J ~ni fa WtfoJ becQUH IIfOlon:yt:les CQ1J fil r,IIQ smarter par1.ing areas ~U1 are ofie"ll SUll wing entire spactl}Or 0"( motorc;ycfe -space ..,hwlt JJWJu/d ~ bttler !JUt! p car purl:ing. b) n.c. bib pukinC un .sbou\d be upgrs~d .titheti<:ltny~ with pllnters II. otbu features.. y.. ) N. "' CO.lbJbelltJ;. -WtJidd IN lli~ bulliOl nece5sary, and nO( rf'illtloutd la~ p(.liking spoc£. -O"mge 4es1g;tt Ie> improve drainage/jlqw at gut'~,. .j Cfl)l con alwClJlf tLSe /nOI"ecolO1'fiJ plim1J andjio'tl.'f;rf.. ·lVe !".ouLl.ollpe,,4 W/or~ /fWJ'iey Cit « solution la • problem OJaf rfoesn·, niSi . ....No ~l'JUI"te1tt 1', need mo.re parfaitg spu.:es, "(IlJI plants. -lTof. [S. ~ lIao/. -NoIllecusary ill 11'1)1 opjnlon. -lllltWld anel'llp' to mob it blend in mOF#! effectivel;! -iI app4!ars ralht:T impermOl'lem ~ ... -, A. '~ -... ~ i'liepint it n:o ifil rewraifU dt~ ,artre SIre. Per~QP$ the car parking sp«e$ c6rJ.ld b~ mode s,"oaer. I'lrluIpr OM 01' I'twJ spaces cou:d ~ 10 wUJI .spaces.. . -6tJx}lDri:iltg 14 MH'e1y fJeerk4. be" ~nJ ~Cll+l1r(TW1f that offered saft biI:::t 1'11,:':ing.-as-Ol't'mtll .. im cycling "" .. tIeu -Ifa"I(W AIl'tmattw A-!; dl.fr.llir .'os.ld pravtck adequaf~ number oj sfUA'U fix bikes an.d ltfOlol'C}'Cks.. JlnM1tIbe, non-sfghted pcnOlU ~l11I rip tIJ'Irf fall if OflY him are on sidcwcrlb. ~ 1IICtfw!~ OICOVJ'(Jge iiK:Te1lS~rlIUO&J}"CU lJefng r.o4t-,,;Jar1aZ,le 10 cyclists/or "parlinc" tlleir bilu. J drf"J: tlUJI peopll will be ~ Incunel to consiaer cycling downtown ifdtey bew mey had III UC1H'~ areap tMfl' • HONORABLE CXTY COUNCIL Palo Alto... California '. ATTACHMENT 2 Downtown On-Street Bike Parking De~stration on Hamilto~ Avenue Members of the council: This is an informational report reqarding th~ recent installation of an on-street bicycle parking area in front of Cafte. Verona at 236 Hamilton Avenue; no Council action is required~ In recent years the Transportation Oivision has continued to receive r~ests from businesses and bicycle users for the installation o.f bike parkinq facilities in the downtown area. Typically.. st.aff works to try to create bicycl.e parking at locations where it is convenient and likely to be used." and does not impede pedestrian t.r3.ffic or access to adjacent parking. Individual bike racks have been installed alor4 the full length of university Avenue ... ~ultiple t:ike raCks have been installed in areas Where space permits (intersection bulbouts ~lonq UnIversity Avenue and a varIety of unique locations 'Where space PEniits) ~ One approach that is used in several cities 6 but has not been tried in Palo Alto ... is the installation of bike racks ~ithin the portion of a roadway normally utilized tor vehi~le parking. One such request for additional parking came from Caffe Verona ... which has many customers who ride bikes. At times~ the number and manr..er in which bicyclE!s accumulate in frOllt of cafre Verona raises concerns about pedestrian safety on the sidewalk. Due to the narrowness of the sidew.a:Ut and. the lack of suitable space for bicycle parking, staff ~~veloped a trial plan fer the conversion of tvo on-street' parkinq spaces to a bike parking area, which can accommodate up to eight bicycles. The bike parking area is shielded from the adjacent parkinq spaces by raIsed berms~ to protect the bicycles ~nd riders froa the movements of cars pulling in and out of the adjacent spaces. if this type of installation were to be made permanent, staft would restripe the existing \ ...... parking stalls on this block face and regain one vehicle parking space .. CHR:397:94 , . -,- Because the bike parking includes the use of raised berms, PublIc Works staft raised the concern that the City street sveeper will n<;>t. be a~le to sweep within the bike parking area and abutting areas of the two adjacent vehicle parking spaces~ As a condition of the installation, Caffe Verona ~anaqement has aqreed to monitor the area regularly and sweep or clean it as needed. ~~ile the installati~n is the result of a request that oriqinated froa Cafte Verona, and they bave agreed to belp keep it clean, the installation is available to". and int.ended to serve the needs of, c~sto:mers and bu:.::inesses in the entire: 200 block of Hamilton Avenue, not just Cafte Verona. Staff considers this to be a demonstration project, with an initial trail period of six months. Staff will be monitoring the project with respect to ope~ational and safety impacts, and usage patterns. If problems arise yhich indicate that the design is uot satisfactory" staff will taJte the necessary steps to modify or remove the installation. The present design (size and shape) for the demonstration is based primarily upon user safety and convenience l and minl~ization of cost considerations and is not an aesthetic design. Once m~re is kno\In about the suitability of the size and shape, and if usaqe is judged tow~rrant the displacement of on-street parking space5 1 and if a decision is J",ade to pursue it. permanent installation" a more aesthetic design vill be developed~ The costs fo-r the present installation are minimal and were covered within tbe existing: City operating budget. A more permanent design could cost as much as $5,,000-to $"10,0.00 with potential funding CODling. from the City's traditional annual application for state TOA funds. or from. bicycle re.lated requirements associated with the developlllE!:nt projects in the downtown area. At the present time l staff sees the potential for a limited number (5 t.o 6) of similar applications but not a widespread proliferation. The basic criteria of substantial need for bicycle parltinq, no other readily available and reasQnably convenient space I and favorable support from the adj~cent business owner" are likely suppressants to any Significant po,tential expansiona This project has the support of the Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory CODlllitt.ee and is presently included as one of the recommended Transportation Programs in the current draft of the CPAC Policies and Proqr ams • CMR:397:94 1/28/94 Page 2 , .. ~. Re.pectf~lly submitted, MARVIN L. OVERWAY Chief Transportation Official ~~; city Manager ec: ken ~tun1an, Caffe Verona KENNETH R. SCHREIBER Director of Planning and community Environment SUsan Frank:l Chamber of Commerce Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee 7128/94 Paqe :) Palo Alto Bicycle ."dvlSO!)' Committee Palo Alt\), California Oct. 1,1995 Honocable City Council Palo Alto. California Membe", of the Coon<il: ATTACHMENT 3 In July and Se~mber. P ABAC revle .. 'ed the bicycle pamng installed on • trail basis in front 0( Cafe Veruc&. The consensus of the committee is that this faciliry is desirabk. but that ilsage is not Cf".AlsisteDtIy higb enough '10 justify removing two pading $.paces.. AIthoogh "'e ",ould p<efeI" to see eOOllgh parting to meet the peak demand, Ihe Comnllltee feels thar: an on-street bike parking f3Cllicy at this 1ocation.. displacing only • single parking space, would be .. good compromise beneflCial10 the cornmurUty. In addition to providing better facilltios for bicyclists, the trial placement of OQ·street bicycle parldng rigbJ Dext 10 • popular de.'llnation bas redllCed the number of bicycle, parked on the sidewalk,. t.lJereb)' providing more spaced for pedestriar.5 in .an area with particularly narrow sidewalks. w •... ould lil<.e 10 thank. the city for experimenting with oo .. =t bike par\.;"!. and bop< thai: a pel'Il1.aDent facility can be instaIkd. Sincerely. Bit{ 6t" .. ~ . ..,